Hanover planning commission recommends approving Mountain Road data center 

Move away from 12-month model could leave Bellwood ES teachers without pay in July 

On the agenda: Data centers, FY27 budgets and Richmond Diamond District 

Other links: 

Water restrictions in place for Caroline due to severe drought (WRIC) 
Conservation groups raise alarm as Potomac River named most endangered in the nation (Virginia Mercury) 
Broker charges CoStar with monopolizing online real estate market (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 
Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search (Cardinal News) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia lawmakers push back on Spanberger's changes to retail weed market bill 

Justin Fairfax, former Virginia lt. governor, kills wife, self, police say 

Chesterfield sheriff adds extra security at early voting locations 

Other links: 

City offers to replace RPS land, pay for relocation if it turns over Southside site for mixed-use development (The Richmonder) 

Albemarle Fire Marshal issues burn ban through Sunday (29 News) 

Central Virginia ICE facility has been over capacity for months (WRIC) 

‘We’re tired of it’ — amid luxury student housing surge, city residents feel overlooked (The Cavalier Daily) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community. 

Spanberger suggests ‘significant policy shifts’ to Dominion regulation bills 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Other links: 

Prince William County drops legal fight for PW Digital Gateway (Prince William Times) 

In this U.S. hot spot for data centers, voters have turned against them (The Washington Post)* 

Virginia joins a national effort to ensure only popular vote winners become president (NPR News) 

Richmond breaks record with historic spring heatwave (WRIC) 

USS Gerald R. Ford breaks record for longest post-Vietnam deployment (Navy Times) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community!

Spanberger proposes amendments to immigrant protection bills 

ICYMI: Gov. Abigail Spanberger's last-minute actions on 11 issues 

Other links: 

Virginia police search vehicle surveillance data 24/7. It isn't always clear why (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO) 

Art 180 To Close Its Doors (Style Weekly) 

Suffolk government contractor in talks to lease office space to ICE (The Virginian-Pilot)* 

Schiarizzi announces Democratic run for Virginia's crowded proposed 7th District (Inside NoVa) 

Ex-Pence aide Olivia Troye plans to run for Congress in Virginia as a Democrat (The Washington Post)* 

Former Roanoke Rambler owner ‘devastated’ after staff terminated (Cardinal News) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger's last-minute actions on 11 issues

State-run hospitals lack clear policy on ‘forensic patient’ custody transfers

Other links:

Virginia police search vehicle surveillance data 24/7. It isn't always clear why (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO) 

Avula pitches Richmond spending database — without invoice descriptions, payer names (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Henrico issues immediate burn ban: What that means for you (WTVR) 

In the wake of Centra’s Farmville maternity care closure, some families say the risk to have more kids might be too high (Charlottesville Tomorrow) 

10 Virginia hospitals listed as ‘at risk,’ but what does that really mean? (Cardinal News) 

Spanberger joins other governors in push for PJM to prioritize ratepayer protections (Virginia Mercury) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

Watch Amending Virginia Episode 1: “Redistricting”  

Richmond City settles former FOIA officer lawsuit after hostile litigation 

Shockoe Institute opens interactive center at Main Street Station 

Rachel Smith wants to bring people to Hanover County 

On the agenda: Richmond budget, Hanover tax and utility rates 

Other links:

Youngkin returns to campaign trail, calls for court to strike redistricting vote (Virginia Mercury)

Virginia Tech considering eliminating Living-Learning Communities (WDBJ)

⁠Spanberger: Here’s how I’m working to provide practical solutions over partisanship⁠ (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community!

Spanberger weighing whether to eliminate Fourth Amendment waivers in plea deals

VMSDEP-related bills stalled out during General Assembly session

Updated: Chesterfield supervisors pass $2.3B FY2027 budget  

Other links:

Spanberger vetoes Fairfax County casino bill (FFXNow)

Virginia State Police boss says troopers won't go door-to-door collecting guns (WTVR)

ToolBank waiving borrowing fees in April for 'Richmond Shines' cleanup initiative (The Richmonder)

Roanoke Entrepreneur Ollie Howie Joins The Roanoke Rambler As Its New Owner (Roanoke Rambler)

Downtown Fredericksburg thoroughfare named ‘Best Main Street in the South’ (Fredericskburg Free Press)

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring.

When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

Amending Virginia: Pro- and anti-redistricting camps wield 'fairness' in voter appeals 

Richmond Flying Squirrels christen CarMax Park with a 3–2 victory 

Richmond City Hall observation deck reopens after 6 years 

Updated: Hanover County passes $797M fiscal year 2027 budget 

Other links:

Gov. Spanberger signs bill to end the renewal of Robert E. Lee license plates in Virginia (WAVY) 

Higher education, higher tuition: University of Virginia considers raising tuition (29News) 

Va. Court of Appeals stops major data center development in Prince William County (Virginia Mercury) 

Richmond schools get additional money for repairs in new budget, but it will be borrowed from future years (The Richmonder)

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

Dominion Energy Virginia requests more coal ash cleanup charges 

ICE acknowledges it's using powerful spyware from Chantilly-based company (NPR News) 

Richmond begins refilling west tank of Byrd Park Reservoir after two years of repairs (The Richmonder) 

City says it has followed the law on surplus property sales. City code says otherwise. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Chesterfield accused of destroying records at center of public information lawsuit (WTVR) 

Funding cuts, state error strain Virginia’s HIV care system (Virginia Mercury) 

Researchers study long-term health effects of Hurricane Helene across central Appalachia (Cardinal News) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

It’s our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

When you designate a donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community!

Read more Virginia news: 

New Virginia law will expand zoning for manufactured homes 

SCOTUS clears the way for Steve Bannon contempt case dismissal (NPR) 

Virginia hospitals filed more than 1 million medical debt lawsuits since 2010 (WHRO)

Trump’s election order will not impact voting in Virginia’s ongoing redistricting referendum (Virginian-Pilot)*

A Virginia church pledges $1M to erase debt for public housing residents (Washington Post)*

Riverside homeless encampment forces city to tread water over solutions (WMRA)

‘Like stepping into a time capsule’: Historic Green Book home in Harrisonburg preserved as learning site (WHSV) 

*This outlet uses a paywall.

Richmond housing coalition calls for new duplex rules in Code Refresh 

Hanover residents comment on FY27 budget proposal 

On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings 

🏛️ Virginia Gun Law Changes + Challenges 🔫 (YouTube) 

Other links: 

Mechanicsville man discovers dad's artwork from WWII buried for decades (WTVR)  
Officials will restart vape shop enforcement effort [this] week (The Richmonder) 
Virginia sees 33,000 ACA enrollment drop since subsidies expired, more likely on the way (Virginia Mercury) 
Meet the Venezuelan family starting a new life in Roanoke (The Roanoke Times)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Confusing mail, dark money muddy the waters of Virginia’s redistricting campaign 

Charlottesville school board affirms stance against ICE cooperation

Other links: 

Spanberger signs bipartisan school-safety, student support bills into law (Virginia Mercury) 

Class of 2026 announces Jim Ryan as keynote speaker for Valedictory Exercises (The Cavalier Daily) 

Many Virginians drop ACA coverage and more likely will, SCC hears (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Culinary entrepreneur incubator in Charlottesville to expand (WMRA) 

How Aloka the Peace Dog got back on the road with the help of Virginia Tech alums (WRIC) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Henrico residents raise awareness of toxic chemical used in two local plants 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Tips For Staying Fire Safe, Virginia! 

Other links: 

Jefferson Lab lands 5-year contract with familiar operator (The Virginian-Pilot)* 

Colonial Heights under boil water advisory after 50-year-old water main ruptures (WTVR) 

Toll increase on Pocahontas Parkway starting April 1 (WRIC) 

Aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush, 4,000 sailors leave Norfolk (WHRO) 

Albemarle registrar finding many mistakes on mail-in ballot submissions (CvilleRightNow) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Chesterfield residents, civil liberties groups question Flock Safety contract 

Other links: 

'Rise of the Legion' documents Norfolk State band's history and sound (WHRO) 

Traffic signals near VCU flipped in favor of students: 'It made me nervous' (WTVR) 

Planned Parenthood presses Virginia to restore state funding for contraception program (Virginia Mercury) 

Signs at two Richmond sites flagged as part of Trump order to ‘focus on the greatness’ in U.S. history (The Richmonder) 

Federal judge finds Trump violated free speech by ordering NPR defunded (NPR) 

Nonprofit trust buys Pamplin Historical Park in Dinwiddie for $11M (The Progress-Index)*  

Our newly award-winning work:  

Entering the Ring and Building Bonds at Richmond Pro Wrestling 

Undoing Ruin’s Jessy Woodke Is on a Mission to Spread Native Plants 

Central Virginia Medicaid recipients advocate for program  

Virginia’s access to Medicaid cut after federal funding freeze  

Virginia community health centers close over federal funding access  

Danville residents worry Medicaid cuts could lead to homelessness, death 

Idleness and Boredom  

Richmond’s Dual-Language Immersion Program Is Growing on Southside 

VCU Changed Scholarship for Descendants of the Enslaved to Align With Anti-DEI Policies 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Spanberger considering assault weapons ban, other gun restrictions

Charlottesville works to tackle both angles of local housing need

Other links:

USS George H. W. Bush will depart Tuesday, Navy officials confirm (Virginian-Pilot)*

Deadline to submit comments on proposed Aqua rate increases coming up (CBS 19)

Roanoke family files lawsuit against VHSL, school board over homeschool sports rule (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

A century-old carousel in Herndon will spin no more (WTOP)

Texas Beach bridge to reopen by end of 2026 after four-year closure (12 On Your Side) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Hanover utility director presents short-term water enhancements 

On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings

Cyclists say Chesterfield's growth needs matching infrastructure 

Other links: 

Republican state lawmakers propose three-month gas tax holiday in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Man accused of supplying gun in ODU shooting also provided gun that killed Newport News teen in 2021. Why wasn’t he charged? (Virginian-Pilot)* 

ICE has made at least 13 arrests at Richmond jail since December, public defender says (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about trends in this year's General Assembly, how each side voted and which legislation got passed, and early voting data from April's special election attempting to redistrict Virginia ahead of the November elections.

You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

Early Valley Link outreach finds growing opposition in Central Virginia 

A Chinese American's take on liberty, 251 years after Patrick Henry's speech  

Other links: 

Pushback on proposal to build Buc-ee’s in Stafford County (WTOP) 
Maryland planning to crack down on drivers improperly registering vehicles in Virginia (CBS) 
UMW men's basketball heads to NCAA DIII National Championship for the first time (WJLA) 
Anthem again pays restitution and fine over claims delays (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 
Barboursville Vineyards sells to private investors (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond Mayor Avula hosts format-breaking State of the City

Spanberger orders Virginia’s return to ERIC voter data partnership 

Other links:

Virginia Beach offshore wind farm has started producing electricity (WHRO News)

Goochland residents press officials on proposed transmission project (12 On Your Side)

VCU proposes raising tuition by up to 5% next year (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

Charlottesville city officials promise not to displace unhoused community members during an encampment cleanup effort this week (Charlottesville Tomorrow)

University pauses provost search, Gertler to remain as interim (UVA Today)

*This outlet has a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Spanberger to consider legislation requiring state guidance on AI in schools 

Henrico gathers public input for Best Products site, Brook Road corridor 

Two new hospitals set to open in Chesterfield County 

Other links: 

Budget proposal would allow larger severance payouts for top City Hall officials (The Richmonder) 

What would a gun violence ambassadors program look like in Richmond? (WRIC) 

Augusta courts and county seat slated to move to Verona in June (WMRA) 

Fluvanna County green-lights new power plant despite health risks (The Daily Progress)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Jefferson School announces Swords into Plowshares finalists 

ICYMI: Gov. Abigail Spanberger votes yes on redistricting (VPM News Shorts) 

Other links: 

ROTC instructor killed in ODU shooting 'was protecting his kids' (WHRO) 

Spanberger replaces entire Richard Bland College Board of Visitors (Progress-Index) 

A hidden threat to maple syrup — and the people who make it (Washington Post) 

Prince William County ponders 5-way split (Prince William Times) 

Richmond Police Chief: Increasing demands are putting strain on shorthanded force (The Richmonder) 

‘Broad Street Circa 1919’ exhibit on display at Library of Virginia (WRIC) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

New VPM PBS documentary explores the 'Donut Dollies' history 

Spanberger calls April 23 special session to finalize state budget 

General Assembly sends slate of immigration bills to Spanberger's desk 

Chesterfield emergency services department faces looming budget shortfall 
On the agenda: budgets, cybersecurity and real estate taxes 

Other links: 
FCC approves Nexstar–Tegna merger as Virginia sues to block (Associated Press) 
The number of ICE detainees in the Roanoke jail more than tripled last year (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Medical malpractice in Virginia was nearly overhauled. What happened? 

Spanberger to decide on solar siting reforms passed by General Assembly 

Other links: 

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, godmother of rock 'n' roll, once called Richmond home (WTVR) 

New study explores blue crab cannibalism in the Chesapeake Bay (WHRO) 

New roundabout aims to ease Crozet’s traffic woes, the latest change in the formerly rural, fast-growing hamlet (WMRA) 

Fluvanna Supervisors approve new Tenaska power plant (CvilleRightNow) 

Virginia DEQ Confirms Investigation Into Two “Separate” Sewage Spills In Fredericksburg (Hyperbole Fredericksburg) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Public college faculty left out of Virginia’s collective bargaining expansion 

Richmond housing authority's 'ComeHome' produces first tenant-to-homeowner 

Other links: 

How does snow accumulate after it’s been so warm? (Cardinal News) 

Virginia joins national push for refunds after US Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs (Virginia Mercury) 

Memo: Avula says he’s ‘assessing’ how to comply with city code requiring publication of spending data (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Harrisonburg teaching assistants seek pay increase (Daily News-Record)* 

Rising costs squeeze Virginia food truck owners: 'I'm basically taking a loss' (WTVR) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

James River alum becomes 'Captain Espresso' for Italian baseball team 

Hanover Sheriff David Hines set to retire after 41 years 

Short: Virginia's Legal Weed Market 

Other links: 

Buckingham County residents oppose Valley Link project (The Farmville Herald)* 

Crews were repairing natural gas leak when Centreville home exploded, report confirms (FFX Now) 

Robert Tracci's time as Western Virginia's top federal prosecutor comes to a close (The Daily Progress)* 

Fluvanna Supervisors meet March 18 to decide fate of proposed Tenaska plant (Charlottesville Tomorrow) 

‘Completely not dignified’: Rep. Eugene Vindman, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticize Iran war (Fredericksburg Free Press) 

*This outlet has a paywall. 

Henrico County continues its ‘course of progress’ in FY27 budget

Bucking stigma, more places turn to factory-built for affordable housing (NPR News)

Other links:

Tim Kaine Is Forcing the Iran War Debate From the Minority (The New York Times)*

Richmond EDA approves deal allowing VCU to play at CarMax Park, but agreement with Squirrels is still required (The Richmonder)

Is it time for Virginia to cut back on studies and commissions? Lawmakers are weighing it. (Virginia Mercury)

New residents beginning to use old FEI facilities (CBS19)

Trammell seeks to end Code Refresh, start new process (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

*This outlet uses a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

General Assembly gavels out 2026 session without budget agreement

Retail market for recreational weed passes Virginia General Assembly

A conversation with UVA’s A.D. Carson about ‘Being Dope’

On the agenda: Budget work sessions, Chesterfield administrator candidates

Central Virginia school closures, online learning for Monday, March 16 

Other links:

Richmond installs audible beacon devices to improve pedestrian safety (WRIC)

Albemarle County's $724M 2027 budget a step back from spending cliff (The Daily Progress)*

*This outlet has a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

$2B data center tax break fight pushes Virginia budget negotiations

Lawmakers weigh adding college employees to collective bargaining expansion

General Assembly orders plan to phase out airport PFAS 
 

Other links: 

FBI will investigate fatal ODU campus shooting as a terrorist attack (WHRO News)

Audit reveals overspending by Roanoke Police Department (WDBJ)

Massive power transmission line planned for Campbell to Culpeper (Cardinal News)

Email: 'data incident' takes down internet, other services across Hanover schools (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Mayor Danny Avula proposes Richmond’s $3.4B spending plan 

Chesterfield proposes $1.1B school system budget 

DOJ civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon speaks at UVA Federalist Society event 

Other links: 

City backs off ‘Operation Vaporize’ as blowback from vape shop owners intensifies (The Richmonder) 

Federal judge upholds ruling that certain ex-felons should not automatically lose voting rights (Virginia Mercury) 

Dorothy McAuliffe, former Virginia first lady, announces congressional campaign (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

General Assembly adds district voting system to Virginia Beach's city charter (WHRO News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia voters begin to weigh in on redistricting amendment 

ICYMI: Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia 

Other links: 

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience 

'Justice is delayed and denied': How Richmond's late jury lists are derailing criminal trials (WTVR) 

‘Grow up’: Former Republican delegate defends civil-rights-themed mailers in redistricting fight (Virginia Mercury) 

Inside Rappahannock’s court crisis (Rappahannock News) 

Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed panel (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

USS Monitor shipwreck off the Outer Banks is mapped in more detail than ever (WHRO News) 

*This outlet uses a paywall 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia Senate panel spikes gambling centralization bill 

Charlottesville school board greenlights union contract for support staff 

ICYMI: This week in Central Virginia public meetings 

Other links: 

Richmond’s new transportation director wants a city ‘built for people.’ His work is increasingly urgent. (The Richmonder) 

Who’s behind an anti-redistricting flyer invoking Jim Crow? A former Hampton GOP delegate. (Virginian-Pilot)* 

Virginia House approves gun control bills over GOP objections (WTOP) 

Virginia won’t say which law enforcement agencies are breaking surveillance camera laws (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Richmond vape shop owner says city shut him down 'for the smallest reason' despite code compliance (WTVR) 

* This outlet uses a paywall 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia Democrats look to expand window to pay off back rent before eviction 

Henrico breaks ground on Magellan Parkway extension 

Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News) 

On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News) 

Other links: 

On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News) 

Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News) 

City offices, trash collection will close Monday for International Women's Day (The Richmonder) 

Valley Link seeks community input on proposed transmission line route through central Virginia (Charlottesville Tomorrow) 

Pentagon eyes Virginia Tech for senior officers in place of ‘woke’ Ivy League (The Roanoke Times)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of changing medical malpractice law 

General Assembly kills bills for certifying high-power facilities 

Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan 

Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027 

Heads up, Richmond: 2026 River City Half and 5K road closures, ‘no parking’ zones 

Other links: 

Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs (Virginia Mercury) 
Hopewell city manager hopefuls include two recently fired administrators (The Progress-Index)* 
FOIA Files: 2025 Loudoun Crime Stats Release Would Cost $600, LCSO Says (Loudoun Now) 
Richmond councilwoman threatens to subpoena Mayor Avula (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights April 21 referendum again 

Del. Josh Thomas wants to put Virginia's boys and men on a better path 

Lawmakers advance bills to set up child care cost-sharing pilot 

Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan 

Other links:

GW sold Virginia campus for $427 million to Amazon for data center development (The GW Hatchet) 

Why a 6-year-old with diabetes is pushing for change in Virginia (WTOP) 

Wintergreen emergency exit bill passes U.S. House (CBS 19)

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027

Henrico School Board OKs funding 100+ new positions in FY27 budget

Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia 

Other links:

Military families brace for long deployments during operation against Iran (WHRO News)

William & Mary on Pentagon’s list of ‘toxic indoctrination’ colleges, losing its support (The Virginian-Pilot)*

Va. transportation board overturns decision to transfer rail and trail project (Virginia Mercury)

Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in Tazewell County. Is that legal? (Cardinal News)

*This outlet uses a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Early voting on Virginia redistricting amendment set to begin Friday 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Other links: 

Lawmakers divided over Iran strikes, launched without approval from Congress (NPR) 

Naval Station Norfolk updates visitor policy, suspends Trusted Traveler Program (WAVY) 

Poopy Potomac no more? D.C. lifts advisory for river after sewage spill (The 51st) 

Harrisonburg music scene hit by ABC violation, fire marshal closures (WMRA) 

Researchers probe unmarked graves at Virginia site where slaves once toiled (The Washington Post)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond police extend contract with Flock Safety for license plate readers 

Henrico EDA head Tretina outlines vision for growth 

Richmond-area faith leaders speak out on federal immigration enforcement 

On the agenda: Budget discussions for Richmond and Charlottesville schools 

Other links: 

For some neighborhoods, it’s covenants — not zoning — that decides what gets built (The Richmonder) 

At General Assembly, defense of Confederate statues sparks outrage (The Virginian-Pilot) 

Army Corps plans to fast-track infrastructure priorities, including in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Novartis settles with estate of Henrietta Lacks over use of 'stolen' cells (The Associated Press) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia’s return to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative picks up steam 

Chesterfield County creates new plant medicine committee 

Other links: 

Squirrels claim Richmond owes them $6.5 million for ballpark costs (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

New all-electronic tolling system goes live on Richmond routes this weekend (The Richmonder) 

Louisa County among fastest-growing localities in Virginia, UVA estimates show (29News) 

Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate coalition challenging Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order (WRIC) 

Spotsylvania settles on data center rules (The Free Lance-Star)* 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

The future is uncertain for some Virginia farmers after VSU researchers fired 

Virginia Museum of History and Culture to add Barbara Johns statue to its collection 

Powhite Parkway tolls are about to be a thing of the past in Chesterfield 

Other links: 

In Democratic rebuttal, Spanberger accuses Trump of driving up costs and chaos (Virginia Mercury) 

Virginia lawmakers push for action after massive Potomac sewage spill (WRIC) 

Homeless shelter operator will serve three years in prison for defrauding Richmond and HUD (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Lynchburg council votes to go to court over redistricting referendum (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Most artificial intelligence legislation in Virginia was tabled until 2027 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Other links: 

At Longwood, a journey toward racial reckoning (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO) 

After federal funding upheavals, Richmond nonprofits say they are bruised but not broken (The Richmonder) 

What is ‘performance-based regulation’, and how can it lower utility bills? (Virginia Mercury) 

DOJ reaches settlement with CarMax over illegal repossession of servicemembers' vehicles (WTVR) 

CASA seeks to secure first state funding increase since 2008 amid rising demand for services (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Data center tax break takes center stage in Virginia budget plans 

General Assembly passes bill containing new congressional map, primary date 

Charlottesville City Council tweaks zoning ordinance 

On the agenda: It’s budget season in Central Virginia 

Other links: 

Lawmakers question how Rosie’s was approved to add more gambling machines in Richmond (The Richmonder) 

RPD liaison, police discuss preventative measures after Shockoe Bottom shooting (WRIC) 

A school suspended 323 students after ICE protest. They protested again. (The Washington Post)

Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's

top business stories, starting with an update

on Virginia's legal marijuana market and ending with news of a new housing development coming to Arthur Ashe Blvd.

With 300-dwelling development looming, nearby Chesterfield residents concerned 

Other links: 

• Tazewell judge temporarily blocks Democrats' redistricting referendum (Associated Press) 

• Virginia Gov. Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address (Virginia Mercury) 

• Virginia Del. Barry Knight, a retired hog farmer from Virginia Beach, dies at 71 (Virginian-Pilot) 

• John McGuire would rather not talk about redistricting in Virginia (The Daily Progress)* 

• Dominion Energy Riverrock announces music lineup, venue change for 2026 (WRIC) 

• Veterans sue over Trump’s planned 250-foot arch, citing cemetery views (The Washington Post)* 

  *Paywall

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia Democrats zero in on final affordability package 
UVA School of Nursing faculty say new federal report has an error 
Hanover County unveils $427M budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 

Other links: 

How much revenue did the City of Petersburg bring in during casino's first days? (The Progress-Index)* 

Albemarle County Public Schools proposes draft budget request (29 News) 

PWC supervisors collect nearly $300K in campaign donations – mostly from data center interests (The Prince William Times) 

Petition to recall Martinsville mayor moves forward (WDBJ) 

*This outlet has a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond's General Assembly agenda has been a mixed bag so far 

Other links: 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Other links: 

After police reforms, Virginia traffic stops increase (VCIJ at WHRO) 

Former Attorney General Miyares faces two wrongful firing lawsuits (WRIC) 

In First Months as Governor, Abigail Spanberger Kicks Up Heat From the Right (The New York Times)* 

Paid sick leave bill passes Virginia House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury)

Dominion plans $1 billion super-high voltage line through Piedmont Virginia (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Hanover school board approves 2026–27 budget plan 

On the agenda: Diamond District, RVA Pay, Charlottesville school budget 

Other links: 

Bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board clears House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury) 

Petersburg's temporary casino makes $4.7 million in first 10 days (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Virginia measles cases this year already surpass 2025 total, VDH data shows (29News) 

Spring fire season and state-wide burning law begin (CBS19) 

*Paywall link

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Reforming public university boards is a hot topic at the General Assembly 

Richmond Free Press ceases publication after 34 years 

Chesterfield teacher’s union warns about preparations for ICE confrontations 

Other links: 

Charlottesville sees decline in opioid overdose calls, though doctors say concerns remain (29 News) 

Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump’s changes to loan forgiveness rules (WRIC) 

Va. unemployment claims jump 71%. Those don't include nearly 700 looming Amazon layoffs. (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

After sale of Virginia nursing home, data shows 911 calls spiked by 70% (WTVR) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Charlottesville school board agrees to 10.5% raise for support professionals 

Traveling CPR kiosk brings hands-on training to communities across Virginia 

Delegates rework bills related to Virginia Military Institute 

Other links: 

Pruitt drops out of congressional race, blames Democratic redistricting (The Daily Progress) 

Overwhelming majority of Central Virginia ICE detainees continue to be non-criminals, data shows (WRIC) 

DHR launches project for special markers at Virginia lynching sites (CBS19) 

Senate panel advances $48 hike in weekly unemployment benefits (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Senate bill would shield Dominion customers from some data center-related costs 

Richmond audit finds city didn’t follow Affordable Housing Trust Fund rules 

Virginia's college internship program rebrands under state economic development agency 

Other links: 

Virginia celebrates 20 years of 211 service for health and human needs (WRIC) 

Virginia House votes to end Confederate tax breaks, license plates (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

‘It was not about me’: Halifax centenarian rejects House honor she never approved (Virginia Mercury) 

Griffin booted from committees; Democrats say he disrespected subcommittee chair (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

House subcommittee advances bill to ban herbicide tied to Parkinson's disease 

State regulators OK Dominion project near Hallsley area of Chesterfield 

Other links: 

Defying administrators’ orders, Chesterfield students and employees walked out Friday to protest immigration enforcement (The Richmonder) 

UVa faculty accuse Beardsley of 'bribing' students for their support (The Daily Progress) 

State lawmakers want to lift local caps on housing grants for government employees (Virginia Mercury) 

Remembering King Salim Khalfani: Civil rights activist, former executive director of Virginia NAACP has died (WTVR) 

Maymont Mansion reopens in March after being closed for two years (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

General Assembly considers $36M expansion of gun violence prevention program 

Hundreds gather at The Valentine to celebrate Bill Martin’s life and legacy 

Spanberger signs bill moving redistricting vote one step closer 

Amended cannabis market bill passes despite split among Senate Democrats 

On the agenda: Richmond City Center, school board budget meetings 

Other links: 

House panel advances bills limiting ICE activity in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Frank S. Royal Sr., Richmond medical leader and VUU board chair, dies at 86 (Richmond Free Press) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

In this episode we learn about VPAP's new Executive Director Cat Anthony and how she came to the Virginia Public Access Project. Also, a preview some of what to expect out of this year's General Assembly session, and touch on Democrats' plan to redistrict Virginia via constitutional amendment.

You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

Virginia Democrats propose potential 10–1 congressional map for 2026 midterms 

Proposal would let students take Brown v. Board scholarships out of state 

Chesterfield touts $1.3B growth in commercial real estate value

Other links: 

Rent stabilization bills backed by Richmond fail in Virginia General Assembly (The Richmonder) 

Renting in Richmond is only about 20% cheaper than owning (Axios Richmond) 

Richmond, Henrico County extend CARITAS shelter contract due to winter weather (WRIC) 

Boar's Head reopens Virginia deli meat plant tied to deadly listeria outbreak (Associated Press) 

Virginia is slowly expanding access to community solar (WHRO News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Spanberger orders state law enforcement to exit federal immigration agreements 

Virginia Court of Appeals asks SCOVA to take over redistricting case 

Immigration policy takes center stage at Richmond school board meeting 

Charlottesville carries out Point in Time Count despite icy conditions 

Central Virginia delays, closures for Thursday, Feb. 5 

Other links: 

Bezos orders deep job cuts at 'Washington Post' (NPR) 

Senate looks beyond Capitol Square to stored Confederate statues (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• General Assembly considering measure that could end state funding for VMI 
• Anne Holton, former state education chief, named to Richmond school board 
• Central Virginia closures, delays for Wednesday, Feb. 4  
• Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Other links: 

• As ICE seeks to expand footprint in Va., Youngkin’s final-day prison sale directive draws scrutiny (Virginia Mercury) 
• More than 5,000 acres surrounding Shenandoah National Park to be protected (29News) 
• Squirrels providing 'over $10 million' as CarMax Park project plows through weather (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia House OKs electric grid review bills 

Texas-based monks bring ‘Walk for Peace’ through Chesterfield 

Central Virginia closures, delays for Tuesday, Feb. 3 

Other links: 

As ice lingers in Richmond, Avula asks residents for a few more days of patience (The Richmonder) 

Crashes involving cars and pedestrians rising at VCU, despite years of work to stop them (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

5 poems for troubled times, from Virginia’s new Lt. Governor (The Washington Post) 

Richmond native ‘Mad Skillz’ takes home Grammy for best spoken word poetry album (WRIC) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News: 

International enrollment in Virginia postgraduate programs falls by 13% 

STEPS program bridges the gap for refugee women in Charlottesville 

Updated: Hanover County facility sought by ICE is no longer for sale 

Melissa Vaughn, longtime WRIR president, was ‘fierce advocate’ for public radio 

Central Virginia closures, delays for Monday, Feb. 2 

Other links: 

Four Richmond public housing tenants flagged in federal review of residents’ immigration status (The Richmonder) 

All-electronic tolling coming to Richmond expressways, ramps (WRIC) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Bill aims to address "benefits cliff" for subsidized child care 

Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility

Weather-related links:  

Central Virginia closures, delays for Friday, Jan. 30 
VDH winter safety tips⁠  
Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace⁠  
Richmond International Airport website⁠  
National Weather Service forecasts: ⁠Richmond⁠ | ⁠Charlottesville⁠ | ⁠Harrisonburg⁠ 

Other links: 

Virginia isn't in a recession — but it's on the cusp of one, ODU economists say (WHRO News) 

Virginia Democrats seek emergency halt to ruling that blocks redistricting (The Washington Post)* 

Lawmakers, Va. Native tribes pitch education, sovereignty reforms to address historic injustices (Virginia Mercury) 

Richmond crime dropped in 2025, but police puzzled over continued rise in domestic assaults (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Legal Aid Justice Center finds 32 active immigration enforcement agreements across Virginia (29News) 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond teachers union calls for audit after budget draft cuts $22M 

Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility 

Federal judge orders widespread voting rights restoration for Virginians

⁠Central Virginia closures, delays for Thursday, Jan. 29⁠ 

Weather-related links: 
VDH winter safety tips⁠ 

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace⁠  

Richmond International Airport website⁠  

National Weather Service forecasts: ⁠Richmond⁠ | ⁠Charlottesville⁠ | ⁠Harrisonburg⁠ 

Other links: 

Democrats push restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Senate panel approves gun liability measure by party-line vote (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Buddhist monks on Walk for Peace enter Virginia this week (WTVR) 

NTSB blames 'deep' systemic failures for deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C. (NPR)  

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Tazewell judge rules against Virginia Democrats’ redistricting amendment 

Youngkin pardoned Fairfax police officer in 2023 Tysons Corner shooting 

Central Virginia closures, delays for Wednesday, Jan. 28 

Weather-related links: 

VDH winter safety tips 

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace 

Richmond International Airport website 

National Weather Service forecasts: Richmond | Charlottesville | Harrisonburg 

Other links: 

Virginia Senate panel advances gun safety bills once vetoed by Youngkin (Virginia Mercury) 

Data: Richmond teachers are making more than neighboring counties this school year (The Richmonder) 

Petersburg opens 'life-saving' 24-hour warming center at bus station during freezing temperatures (WTVR) 

Blood couriers move a mysterious and priceless commodity from donor to recipient (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Central Virginia travel still affected despite dodging worst of winter storm 

Open enrollment in Virginia's health insurance marketplace is lagging 

Virginia school closures, delays for Tuesday, Jan. 27 

Resources, hotlines for ‘catastrophic’ winter storm 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

Weather-related links: 

VDH winter safety tips

GRTC service alerts: GRTC.com, Facebook, Instagram 

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace 

Richmond International Airport website 

National Weather Service: Richmond | Charlottesville | Harrisonburg  

Other news: 

Virginia to consider joining states creating volunteer cyber civilian corps (Virginia Mercury) 

MORE REMOVAL REQUESTS: Residents urge council to relocate Confederate statue (Bristol Herald Courier)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

The projected severe weather may impact the VPM Daily Newscast during those days; visit vpm.org for the latest information. 

Read (and watch) more VPM News: 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is keeping 'relentless focus' on affordability 

Central Virginia resources for the incoming winter storm 

Watch Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Jan. 22 storm press conference 

Huguenot High students walk out to protest immigration enforcement 

Virginia Democrats aim for April 21 redistricting ballot 

Other links: 

Here’s what Richmond police Chief Rick Edwards asked ChatGPT about ICE, snowstorms (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Winter road salting is a growing source of pollution. Virginia officials want alternatives (WHRO News) 

With Youngkin gone, Democrats see opening on housing reform (Virginia Mercury) 

*This outlet uses a paywall 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is ready to 'elevate' Virginians’ voices

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic for Virginia state legislators

Video: Spanberger’s Executive Order 10 (YouTube) | TikTok | Facebook 

Other links:

Work resumes on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project after court order ends federal pause (Virginia Mercury)

Hampton Roads Flock cameras surveil Black communities more intensely than white ones (WHRO)

Lindsey Halligan, Trump's former personal attorney, exits Virginia prosecutor's office (NPR)

Hampton Roads lost more than 6,000 federal civilian jobs in 2025, report finds (The Virginian-Pilot)*

Preserving John Marshall's boyhood home: The Hollow inches closer to park status (The Prince William Times)

*This outlet uses a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Attorney General Jay Jones says he'll be 'putting Virginia first' 

Virginia's 1924 racial segregation law targeted Native Americans for decades 
Maryland's Wes Moore looks forward to working with Spanberger 

Hanover Planning Commission nixes Hunting Hawk Technology Park proposal 

Charlottesville residents explore where their tax dollars go 

Other links: 

A big snow is coming (probably). Here's what we know so far. (The Richmonder) 

Hampton Roads lost more than 6,000 federal civilian jobs in 2025, report finds (The Virginian-Pilot)* 

DOGE cuts wiped out years of growth in Virginia's federal civilian jobs (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO) 

Preserving John Marshall's boyhood home: The Hollow inches closer to park status (The Prince William Times) 

Spanberger makes policy promises in first General Assembly address 
Watch: The Joint Assembly Address (YouTube) 
Watch: Gov. Abigail Spanberger discussing affordability (YouTube) 
On the agenda: Richmond traffic safety grants, Charlottesville housing 

Other links 
In historic first for Virginia, Adam Spanberger becomes first gentleman (The Washington Post)* 
DOJ sues Virginia for not providing voter data (The Hill) 
Rocky Mount unveils monument to Black Civil War soldiers (Cardinal News) 
Planned James City County missile factory to be fully operational in 2028 (WHRO) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Abigail Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor 

Attorney General Jones, Governor Spanberger flex powers on Day 1 

Here are the 10 executive orders Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Day 1 

Gallery: Scenes from the Spanberger–Hashmi–Jones inauguration 

Watch inaugural interviews with Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones 

Multiple UVA board members resign at Spanberger's request 

ICYMI: Watch Saturday’s historic inauguration and parade (VPM on YouTube)

Other, non-inauguration news

On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia meetings

Bernice King sees 'saving grace' of MLK Day in today's political climate (The Associated Press) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

⁠Events and road closures for Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s inauguration weekend⁠

Virginia lawmakers propose a bevy of data center reform bills

What happens to bills when their patrons leave the Virginia General Assembly?

VPM livestreams on YouTube | VPM PBS livestreams

Virginia's 1924 racial segregation law targeted Native Americans for decades

5 candidates apply for Richmond School Board vacancy in 6th District  

Other links

City officials apologize for pausing rent assistance program without announcing it to the public (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

Rev. ‘Tee’ Turner, who spearheaded Richmond’s Slave Trail and worked towards racial reconciliation, died this week (The Richmonder) 

How to claim Verizon's $20 credit for Wednesday's service outage (Engadget)

*This outlet uses a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Virginia House committee advances 4 proposed constitutional amendments 

Gov. Glenn Youngkin: Virginia is stronger 'by every single metric' 

Delegate-elect Virgil Thornton wants to get back to ‘the community over the chaos’

WATCH: 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address (VPM on YouTube)

Other links

Former DPU director April Bingham sues city for $1M, claiming she was smeared after water crisis (The Richmonder) 

Central Va. hospitals recommend masking in health care centers as flu, COVID-19 cases surge (Virginia Mercury) 

Breaking News: CarMax lays off hundreds more, including many in Richmond (Richmond BizSense)* 

*This outlet uses a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

UVA rector meets with state lawmakers about Jim Ryan's exit 

Other links: 

Tazewell judge denies GOP push to block redistricting plan (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Pending land sale to state delegate on hold as Richmond officials debate process (The Richmonder) 

Spanberger names new education leaders to ‘strengthen’ state’s schools (Virginia Mercury) 

Former Del. Gooditis aims to unseat Cline in Congress (The Winchester Star) 

Virginia colleges resist disclosing athletic revenue-sharing (Cardinal News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Del.-elect Elizabeth Guzman: Data centers, businesses should ‘pay their fair share’  
Updated: Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026? 

Updated: Who's running to challenge Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st US House District? 

Other links: 

Washington National Opera leaves Kennedy Center, joining slew of artist exits (NPR) 

Federal Prosecutor Is Fired Amid Further Turmoil in Comey Case (The New York Times) 

Smith Mountain Lake seeing lowest levels in nearly a decade (The Roanoke Times) 

Hopewell says goodbye to 'tornado' City Councilor Yolanda Wyche Stokes (The Progress-Index) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Jessica Anderson: Funding education makes communities economically 'robust' 

Review period underway for Hanover County real estate assessments 

On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings 

Other links

Virginia researchers reveal widespread coastal 'ghost forests' (WHRO News)

Southwest Va. ‘resilience hubs’ aim to support communities during disasters (Cardinal News)

Stafford sees first Black Board of Supervisors majority in county history

‘This is war’: In texts, U-Va. board members plot with Youngkin, decry DEI (The Washington Post)*

Buddhist monastery relinquishes its claim to VMFA masterpiece, resolving ownership questions (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss

the Rixhmons region's top businesses stories. This week's discussion includes the one

year anniversary of Richmond's water crisis, RRHA's Grace Street renovation, and GameStop closures nationwide.

Kacey Carnegie: We’re all more alike than we think 

Other links: 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Allegations of racism, retaliation at Red Onion State Prison deemed ‘inconclusive’ 

Chesterfield County School Board chooses new leaders — with some dissent 

Other links: 

Judge Orders Trump Loyalist to Explain Why She Has Kept U.S. Attorney Title (The New York Times) 

Virginia’s job openings on the rise with 255,000 vacancies: report (WRIC) 

Venezuela strike sharpens war powers debate among Virginia lawmakers (Virginia Mercury) 

Still no resolution from sheriff on Turnstile pepper spray controversy (The Richmonder) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Curious Commonwealth asks: Why is there a herd of elk in North Chesterfield? 

Avula, Richmond officials detail progress at main water treatment plant 

Democrats Jones, Schmidt win Richmond-area General Assembly seats 

Other links: 

VDOT pauses minority-, women-owned businesses program activities amid federal changes (Virginia Mercury) 

For the fourth straight year, 'Vision Zero' deaths were above the 2017 baseline (The Richmonder) 

Data center zoning amendment up for final approval in Campbell County (Cardinal News) 

Hegseth rails against cost overruns while touring Newport News Shipbuilding (WHRO News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

A year in review with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula 

Best of 2025: A year in photography across the commonwealth 

John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis 

Virginia lawmakers seek to balance energy affordability, reliability in 2026 

House of Delegates to continue subsidizing members' child care costs in 2026 

Other links: 
U.S. Navy blockade off coast of Venezuela will continue despite Maduro's capture (WHRO News) 

After Virginia judges’ misconduct became public, lawmakers reinstated secrecy (Virginia Mercury) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis

House of Delegates to continue subsidizing members' child care costs in 2026

Virginia lawmakers seek to balance energy affordability, reliability in 2026

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Stacey Carroll: Virginia needs 'innovative ways' to deal with federal cuts

Data: Virginia's early childhood education providers are succeeding

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

⁠May Nivar: Maintaining Virginia's way of life while encouraging growth⁠

⁠How one Richmond program elevates soul food and health

Best of 2025: VPM News staff's favorite local journalism

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Lindsey Dougherty: Virginia needs investment in housing and infrastructure

This Ashland resident is bridging the bilingual gap in Hanover

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Richmond author Lee Allen is celebrating 30 years of ‘The Special Guest’

Runnymeade Community Farm to help preserve small-scale farming in Varina

Glow Big or Glow Home turns holiday festivities into Chesterfield tourism

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism.

Leslie Mehta: Affordability is the name of the game

Retail cannabis market appears set to finally hit Virginia in 2026

Mutual aid fills the gaps as ICE arrests surge across Virginia

VPM News Short: Virginia Delegates, Class of 2026

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

UVA board selects Scott Beardsley as new president

Updated: Virginia ABC grants Roseshire gambling parlor limited liquor license

Other links

Santa Claus’ bone fragment is at a Northern Virginia Catholic church (WAMU)

Transcript: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger represents a series of Virginia firsts (NPR)

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Regulators to consider appeal against Dominion Energy natural gas plant

Spanberger, Virginia Democrats eye affordability bills — on a budget

Holiday travel expected to break records again in 2025

Updated: Virginia ABC grants Roseshire gambling parlor limited liquor license

Other links

Metro needs more money. Will Virginia deliver? (WAMU)

US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 (The Associated Press)

Step into this Iowan's Jane Austen–inspired dream for her 250th birthday (Iowa Public Radio)

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Youngkin presents final budget proposal as governor

Budget draft partially funds Child Care Subsidy Program

Other links

Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology (Roanoke Rambler)

Caroline Historical Society exhibit tells the story of county’s World War II veterans (Fredericksburg Free Press)

Newport News approves $3 million to help bring ‘major music festival’ to city (The Virginian-Pilot)*

Petersburg casino will hold job fair Dec. 18 in Richmond (The Progress-Index)*

Pittsylvania to consider being a test locality for pilot slow-moving vehicle warning system (Cardinal News)

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Richmond City Council OKs Mayor Danny Avula’s plan for limited FOIA library

Other links

Remembrance: Edwin “Eddie” Slipek, 1950-2025 (Style Weekly)

What will Virginia's Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin do next? He's not ready to tell (The Associated Press)

Virginia Dept. of Ed projects K-12 schools will need $1.2 billion over next two years (Virginia Mercury)

Where is Tavares Floyd? Months after being indicted, court records still list him as a fugitive (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

City ends Flock pilot program over federal data base concerns (Cville Right Now)

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Charlie Schmidt wins firehouse primary in House of Delegates District 77

Other links:George Washington’s mansion at Mt. Vernon reopens after 2-year, $40M renovation (AP)

• Brown shooting victim was pursuing dream of becoming brain surgeon (The Washington Post)*

• The Mysterious Life and Afterlife of Private Fitz Lee (The New York Times)*

• What is a 'tent casino'? Petersburg prepares for temporary facility to open (The Richmonder)

• Faculty Senate passes resolution calling for presidential search finalists to ask for pause (The Cavalier Daily)

• Va. considers nearly $700 million rail and trail plan in Shenandoah Valley (Virginia Mercury)

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Hanover supervisors approve 10-year parks system plan

Who's running in Virginia's 5th Congressional District in 2026?

On the agenda: Richmond transparency proposals, Henrico vape shop regulations

Other links

National Weather Service: Richmond forecast; Charlottesville forecast; Harrisonburg forecast

Most Va. schools meeting new state expectations, Va. education department reports (Virginia Mercury)

Kaine still sees small chance Senate could vote to extend health care subsidies (FFXNow)

Richmond’s Scott’s Addition to reinstate parking enforcement after years without (WRIC)

Trial over Confederate school names in Shenandoah County gets underway (WMRA)

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

VanValkenburg looks to return Virginia to multistate voter data partnership 

Joe Casey, longtime Chesterfield County administrator, announces retirement 

Other links

Spanberger names Del. David Bulova to lead natural, historic resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

Dog attacks persist in Virginia prisons despite 2024 law change (Virginia Mercury)

Virginia to remove ‘sweetened beverages’ from SNAP in April 2026 (WRIC)

Virginia Beach school system is making teletherapy free for some students (WHRO News) 

Then & Now: The Roanoke River Greenway inched closer to completion this year, with the opening of almost 3 more miles of trail (Cardinal News)

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Other links: 

• Virginia researchers help track migrating monarch butterflies in more detail than ever (WHRO News) 

• Spanberger taps Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth (Virginia Mercury) 

• Spanberger's energy, health care, housing bills coming next week (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

• VUU’s accrediting probation lifted, accreditation ‘reaffirmed’ (The Richmonder) 

• Rasoul to explore run for Congress as Virginia eyes redrawing district lines (Cardinal News) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Special elections set for Richmond-area House of Delegates, state Senate seats

State water board OKs new pollution limits for James River tributaries

Henrico County approves Dominion's solar project at former landfill 

Other links

VMFA returns trafficked 6th-century terracotta fragments to Turkey (WRIC)

Perriello mounts comeback bid in Virginia’s 5th District (Virginia Mercury)

Albemarle officials call on state lawmakers to fix 'funding pie' for local road projects (The Daily Progress)*

250 years ago today, Virginians went to war against their governor (and won) (Cardinal News)

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

State audit validates areas of concern at Bon Air JCC 

Avula, Richmond City Council kick off collaborative budget process 

Other links 

Virginia businesses eye possible pivots after hemp hampered in federal stopgap spending bill (Virginia Mercury) 

This is how the tiny town of Gordonsville raised millions for a new swimming pool and park (Charlottesville Tomorrow) 

Top 40 Under 40: Class of 2025 (Style Weekly) 

It’s only 41 feet long, but replacing this Manchester bridge is key to future projects (The Richmonder) 

National parks' fee-free calendar drops MLK Day, Juneteenth and adds Trump's birthday (NPR) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Right-to-work reforms possible for Virginia

On the agenda: real estate taxes, transparency and cybersecurity

Nash Road extension opens in Chesterfield County

VPM News Short: 🦝🍾 Raccoon’s ABC Bender 🍾🦝

Other links

Virginia could tweak its eviction diversion program law next year, legislators say (Virginia Mercury)

LGBT Life Center, other housing agencies brace for HUD funding changes (WHRO News)

7 deaths, hundreds of injuries linked to faulty Abbott glucose monitors (NPR)

Virginia’s teacher vacancies decline again this year (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

This month we discuss the results of November's historic state elections and what they mean for Virginia over the next few years, what to expect from the General Assembly in their upcoming session, and we bid farewell to Chris Piper, who is moving out of the Executive Director position at the Virginia Public Access Project.

Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's episode they talk about a rejected housing development in Henrico County, the fate the former Best Products building and a new restaurant crafted by shipping containers coming to Richmond.

Other links 

Many Richmond streets to see closures for Dominion Energy Christmas Parade (WRIC) 
After 36 years, suburban growth along I-95 corridor finally caught up with Del. Bobby Orrock (Cardinal News) 
FBI arrests suspect in investigation into pipe bombs planted near DNC, RNC before Jan. 6 attack (NPR) 
Henrico County approves animal cruelty registry to prevent convicted abusers from adopting pets (WTVR) 
Albemarle leaders weigh building fourth high school to ease overcrowding (29News) 
Spanberger picks ex-Richmond FBI leader as public safety secretary (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 
NASCAR antitrust trial: Bob Jenkins testifies about $100M loss and 'insulting' charter deal (The Associated Press) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Charlottesville moves to acquire land parcels via eminent domain 

Richmond School Board approves Armstrong-Kennedy High renaming 

Shonda Harris-Muhammed steps down from Richmond School Board 

Other links

Chesapeake Bay region leaders approve revised agreement, commit to cleanup through 2040 (WHRO News) 

Paint it black: Martinsville’s report on former city manager almost entirely redacted (Cardinal News) 

Brown’s Island $30M renovation kicks off with groundbreaking ceremony (12 On Your Side) 

Richmond cat café The Purrfect Bean closes due to flooding caused by cat (WRIC) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond City auditor finds nearly 50 unfixed, high-risk issues

Virginia Democrats push forward with 2026 redistricting efforts

Updated: Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?

VPM News Short: Gobbles Up

Other links

Brown's Island gets $30M makeover: What's coming to one of Richmond's favorite spots (WTVR)

Spanberger begins Cabinet rollout with health secretary pick (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

Furry ‘suspect’ ransacks Hanover ABC store, found passed out in bathroom (WRIC)

Welcome to the new era of college admissions: AI may be scoring your essay (The Associated Press) 

*This link contains a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

State lawmakers eye flexible bills for AI usage in health care settings 

Henrico selects Cari Tretina as new economic development director 

Virginia could be a key state in countering Trump's redistricting push (VPM News on NPR!) 

Other links 
Most Richmonders got accurate tax rebate checks, but review finds $115K in possible 
overpayments (The Richmonder) 
UVa secures $5.3M DoD grant to study brain injuries in military personnel (The Daily Progress)* 
Advocates want answers from Tricare after a rough year for military clients (WHRO News) 
New maternal health website built to help residents find resources (Cardinal News) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Youngkin advisers 'cautiously optimistic' about future tax revenues 

State regulators partially OK Dominion Energy bill increases 

Other links 

Official obituary of Solomon W. Jefferson (1977–2025) 

Virginia drivers navigate new seat belt law, express lanes during Thanksgiving week (Virginia Mercury) 

Virginians on health insurance marketplace see monthly premiums rise to ‘astonishing’ levels (Cardinal News) 

Speciality schools provide unique experiences for Richmond students (The Richmonder) 

Theft of $24,000 wine bottle spurs high-speed chase through Va. countryside (The Washington Post)* 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Chesterfield County turkey gobbles up social media attention

Campus food pantries strained by disruptions to federal nutrition benefits

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Chesterfield gives Shady Hill mobile home park extra time to fix violations

Virginia's rules for felons to regain voting rights could change soon 

Other links 

Map: More than 600 Flock camera locations in Hampton Roads are public for the first time (Virginian-Pilot)*

‘It's this big, huge wall': 3-story Virginia home addition sparks building rules debate (NBC4 Washington)

Caledon State Park Completes $6.1 Million Expansion (News on the Neck)

Central Virginia groups give away thousands of free Thanksgiving turkeys (WTVR)

Some COVID babies are underprepared for kindergarten. Franklin County wants to help (Roanoke Times)*

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond may have to return $1.3M in COVID-era funding to the federal government 

Ex-UVA student gets five life sentences for 2022 fatal shooting 

Chesterfield gives Shady Hill mobile home park extra time to fix violations  

Other links 

Faculty question the motives behind FOIA requests for course materials, text messages (The Cavalier Daily) 

When and where traffic will spike in Richmond for Thanksgiving (Axios Richmond) 

NPR affiliate Radio IQ hacked, broadcasts overtly racist music in Richmond area (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  

Airport leaders budget for a modest rebound in Reagan National travelers next year (ARLNow) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read More:

Questions remain in dispute over Jim Ryan’s exit at UVA 

Petersburg’s first casino is set to open early next year — in a tent 

Demand grows at Virginia food banks amidst federal cuts 

Other links 
Immigration attorney: Hampton Roads likely next target for immigration agents, already in Raleigh area (WAVY) 
DEI cuts at Virginia Tech total more than $8 million (Cardinal News)  
Democrats brace for quick special election in deep-blue Senate District 15 (Virginia Mercury) Spanberger hears state budget challenges at House retreat (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 
Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail reopen after Shenandoah wildfire mostly contained (The Daily Progress)* 

Help name the Charlottesville Grand Illumination Tree 

Residents voice opposition to Hanover data center proposal 

New documentary looks back at World War II from one family’s perspective 

Watch “She said, he said” over UVA president’s resignation (VPM on YouTube) 

Judge scolds Justice Department for 'profound investigative missteps' in Comey case 

Other links 

Virginia drought conditions (Department of Environmental Quality) 

‘This is BS’: Councilmembers frustrated by budget surplus a month after voting against lowering real estate taxes (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

A lawyer for the city said he didn’t ask for the sealing of a court document. Emails tell a different story. (The Richmonder) 

Spanberger appoints energy policy transition team (Virginia Mercury) 

National Zoo Cheetah Cub Cam 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Other links: 

The Town of Louisa faced five resignations in less than a year. Now it’s trying to rebuild (Charlottesville Tomorrow) 

Plan for dedicated Metro funding wins support from key D.C. region leaders (FFXNow) 

Meet the man who keeps Staunton's one-of-a-kind Wurlitzer organ in tune (Staunton News Leader)* 

Moton set to hold first Museum Store Sunday Nov. 30 (The Farmville Herald)* 

Legalizing marijuana could produce tax windfall for Richmond (The Richmonder) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Former UVA President Jim Ryan disputes rector's account of his resignation 

Spanberger, Youngkin spar over UVA board appointments, president search 

St. Joseph’s Villa opens rapid rehousing center in Henrico County 

On the agenda: Richmond zoning refresh, Albemarle road extension 

Other links: 

Higher SOL cut scores coming, but not this year, Virginia board says (Virginia Mercury) 

RPS resumes work on a master facility plan as needs continue to grow (The Richmonder) 

As electric bills and demand rise, is Virginia's energy crisis already here? (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VCU changed scholarship for descendants of the enslaved to align with anti-DEI policies

Federal judge rules ICE unlawfully detained immigrant teens without bond

Chesterfield parent launches push to make Diwali a CCPS holiday 

Inside VPM’s new Downtown Richmond HQ 

Other links 

Bon Air jail guard pleads to sexually assaulting underage inmate but gets no prison time (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Virginia’s probe into public universities’ displacement of Black neighborhoods no longer theoretical (Virginia Mercury) 

Flight disruptions at Richmond International Airport ease as government shutdown ends (WRIC) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Youngkin says a portion of SNAP benefits should be paid out Thursday 

Richmond School Board approves collective bargaining changes 

Richmond City Council creates city’s first rental inspection program 

Other links:

Spanberger asks U.Va. Board of Visitors to delay appointment of new president (The Cavailer Daily) 

City’s lawyers say there’s no backup of lost phone at issue in former FOIA officer’s suit (The Richmonder) 

Federal shutdown strains Virginia’s skies as controllers work without pay] (Virginia Mercury) 

Former US Rep. Elaine Luria announces run for her old congressional seat (WHRO News) 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Kaine says protecting Virginia federal workers behind vote to end shutdown 

Reforest Richmond’s Tree Week plants the seeds of a greener city 

Other links 

Goochland supervisors OK controversial data center district proposal

With SNAP benefits at risk, a guide on where to donate food, money and resources in RVA

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• After election, paid family leave approval likely next year 
• Photo essay: Amid historic election, Virginians long for change 
• On the agenda: Richmond rental inspection program, RPS collective bargaining
• Richmond prepares to weather continuing federal shutdown

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• Virginia Democrats plan to capitalize on 2025 'tsunami'

• Bill Lupoletti, WRIR co-founder, remembered as ‘passionate connector’

• Chesterfield County names interim supervisor to replace Jim Holland

• Former Newport News teacher shot by her 6-year-old student wins a $10M jury verdict

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• SCOVA hears arguments in suit over Youngkin's university board appointments 
• Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, says she'll defy Trump's 'bad policies' 
• ICYMI: What will the 2026 House of Delegates look like? 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More election coverage

• Democrats sweep Virginia's statewide offices, expand House majority 
• Results: What will the 2026 House of Delegates look like? 
• Jason Miyares concedes in attorney general race to Democrat Jay Jones 
• Watch the moment VPM News announced Spanberger’s win on-air (YouTube) 
• Watch highlights from Abigail Spanberger’s victory speech (Instagram) 
• View Virginia’s Election Day statewide in our photo gallery  

Other links

• Governor Glenn Youngkin Launches Virginia Cares Initiative 
• Virginia Cares Initiative sign-up 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read (or listen) more 

• VPM News' 2025 election coverage
• VPM News’ FAQ to voting in Virginia
• Check your voter registration and polling place
• Listen to the VPM News radio stream on our website (or direct)
• Policy Matters: October 30, 2025

 Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• Where do Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger stand on child care? 
• ⁠How to vote in Tuesday’s elections⁠
• Virginia Senate votes to propose redistricting amendment 
• Obama supports Spanberger at Norfolk rally during campaign's final days

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  

• Curious Commonwealth asks: Has Richmond always been a Halloween town?
• Health insurance customers face uncertainty as open enrollment begins 
• Latino candidates look to shape Virginia's political future 
• Richmond’s elections office works to win back voter trust in 2025 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Read more

• House of Delegates passes redistricting amendment
• Tazewell judge denies injunction against GA redistricting effort
• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reports record levels of food insecurity

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠ 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Read more

• ⁠Virginia delegates file 2026 redistricting amendment draft
• Youngkin unveils state-run emergency nutrition assistance program 
• ICYMI: VPM News' interview questions for Jason Miyares
• ICYMI (also) Jay Jones: Families 'desperate' for attorney general to put Virginia first 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠ 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

• General Assembly starts hashing out redistricting amendment for 2026 

• How do data centers figure into Virginia's 2025 elections? 

• Richmond looks for holistic solutions to gun violence 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠  

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

• Virginia moves to join redistricting trend
• Mehta looks to unseat Earley in Chesterfield House of Delegates race
• On the agenda: this week in public meetings⁠ 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠ 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠ 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more 

• UVA strikes deal to pause Trump DOJ investigations 
• Henrico unveils land-use proposal to Varina District residents 
• Eliza Monroe Hay: The true story behind James Monroe's eldest daughter 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. Click or tap here to see our matching challenges. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more 

• Eugene Williams, lifelong Charlottesville activist, dies at 97 
• 'We reject the compact': UVA community speaks out at National Day of Action 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. Click or tap here to see our matching challenges. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more

• A measure of Virginia unemployment claims from federal employees is rising
• Early voting satellite locations open across Greater Richmond
• Virginia ELECT: Find your early voting locations 
• DWR Asking Public to Report After Increase in Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza 
• Fall 2025 Richmond Restaurant Week 

Note: VPM’s Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31! Click or tap here to see our matching challenges. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more 

• UVA says no to Trump administration’s ‘Compact for Academic Excellence' 

• 'We reject the compact': UVA community speaks out at National Day of Action 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

It was the first and only public debate between the candidates this cycle, mirroring last week's sole debate between the gubernatorial candidates, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.

Read more

• Attorney general candidates debate role in civil rights, criminal justice reform
• Youngkin mobilizes Virginia National Guard troops for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests
• The two wildcards shaping the tail end of the Virginia race for governor

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more

• Longtime Chesterfield supervisor Jim Holland dies at 73

Richmond City Council votes down real estate tax relief proposal

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Reporter Dean Mirshahi recently spoke with the registrar about his elections experience, the new role and issues the office has had since his return. 

Read more

• Richmond's registrar issues ‘mea culpa’ over early voting errors 
• What did Virginians learn from the sole Spanberger and Earle-Sears debate? 
• Have you been laid off during the government shutdown? VPM News wants to hear from you. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more

• Published Sept. 22: VPM News' interview questions for Winsome Earle-Sears
• Published Sept. 23: Abigail Spanberger's interview with VPM News

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News 

• Old Ivy Road bridge crash closes multiple roads in Charlottesville 
• Francine, the famous Richmond Lowe’s cat, has gone missing 
• Former US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater details her life in new memoir 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

(00:11) Intro with State Politics Reporter Jahd Khalil 

(00:53) Jahd and VPM News Features Editor Whittney Evans discuss Winsome Earle-Sears 

(07:36) Abigail Spanberger 

All in-person interviews took place at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. 

⁠⁠Early voting⁠⁠ is open now in Virginia and lasts through Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Read more: 

VPM News' interview questions for Winsome Earle-Sears 

Abigail Spanberger: Governor needs to be 'steady' amid federal uncertainty 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

(00:10) Intro with State Politics Reporter Jahd Khalil

(00:40) Jay Jones

(07:29) Jahd and VPM News Features Editor Whittney Evans discuss Jason Miyares

Tune in Friday for gubernatorial candidate interviews. All in-person interviews took place at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

⁠Early voting⁠ is open now in Virginia and lasts through Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Read more:

Jay Jones: Families 'desperate' for attorney general to put Virginia first

VPM News' interview questions for Jason Miyares

How to vote in Virginia: A 2025 VPM voter guide

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

Tune in Wednesday for attorney general candidate interviews. Tune in Friday for gubernatorial candidate interviews. ⁠Early voting⁠ is open now in Virginia and lasts through Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Read more

• VPM News' interview questions for Winsome Earle-Sears
• Trump taps aide to replace US Attorney in Virginia's Eastern District

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

(00:10) Intro with State Politics Reporter Jahd Khalil

(00:39) Ghazala Hashmi

(07:26) John Reid

Tune in Wednesday for attorney general candidate interviews. Tune in Friday for gubernatorial candidate interviews. All in-person interviews took place at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

Early voting is open now in Virginia and lasts through Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Read or watch the interviews

⁠John Reid: Lt. Gov. is 'an ambassador for the state of Virginia'⁠

⁠Ghazala Hashmi: Virginia's No. 2 has 'critical role to play'⁠

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

• The VPM News Early Voting Guide
• Youngkin signs order directing removal of non-citizens from voter rolls
• Richmond’s Code Refresh aims to rewrite rules that restrict growth

Plus, Richmond moves to overhaul its zoning code — and a Henrico YMCA closes its doors.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Today's episode covers ongoing confusion about the latest COVID vaccine regulations and Thursday's lockdown at Virginia State University.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Now, VPM News has a recap of last week’s stories, including Richmond high school students taking part in a national anti-gun violence protest; new polling shows that a growing number of Virginians have had to decide between paying bills or feeding their families; Virginia’s special education system; and other stories. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.  

Part 9 (finale!): Central Virginians the VPM News team interviewed at Richmond Public Library share what brings them joy. 

We’ll be back with your regular news digest next week. 

Learn more and check out the rest of Finding Joy — including several web-exclusive pieces and videos — at vpm.org/joy. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News is wrapping up summer 2025 with some of the greatest, the simplest and the most out-of-this-world joys Central Virginia has to offer. 

Part 8: Meghin Moore brings us along for an adventure with GWAR and the world of heavy metal.

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

You can also check out VPM News Shorts videos from Finding Joy on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Our most recent videos explored the joy in taking a trap cardio class and Richmond’s growing pro wrestling scene. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News is wrapping up summer 2025 with some of the greatest, the simplest and the most out-of-this-world joys Central Virginia has to offer. 

Part 7: Lyndon German brings us along for a look into Richmond’s strength community. 

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

You can also check out VPM News Shorts videos from Finding Joy on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Our most recent videos explored the joy in taking a trap cardio class and Richmond’s growing pro wrestling scene. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Part 6: Chris Suarez brings us along for a visit to Richmond's adult recreational sports scene. 

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

You can also check out VPM News Shorts videos from Finding Joy on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. Our most recent videos explored the joy in fostering retired lab rats and a local professional wrestling promotion.  

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

At the halfway point, we’re stopping to catch you up on other news stories from the past week — including a lawsuit over University of Richmond scholarship programs; hundreds of thousands of Virginia families on the verge of losing health insurance and other benefits; and a new chief justice for the Supreme Court of Virginia. 

We’ll be back on Tuesday with more Finding Joy! 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Part 5: Cate MacKenzie immerses us in the local square-dancing community. 

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Part 4: Patrick Larsen introduces us to the beauty of conservation landscaping. 

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Part 3: Dean Mirshahi introduces us to the booming, body-slamming, fourth wall–breaking world of locally produced professional wrestling. 

Learn more at vpm.org/joy. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Part 2: Adrienne Hoar McGibbon⁠ introduces us to the richly rewarding experience of rehoming former lab rats with Second Chance Heroes.  

Learn more about the series at ⁠vpm.org/joy⁠. 

Part 1: Megan Pauly brings us along for Muddy Mondays, a summer hike for young kids run by Trail Kids RVA. 

Learn more about the series at vpm.org/joy.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Submit your own question to Curious Commonwealth at ⁠⁠⁠⁠vpm.org/curious⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

ICYMI: Read the transcript from Monday’s interview about Liberty Lost by clicking or tap here.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

A new podcast goes inside the Liberty Godparent Home in Lynchburg. Through interviews with women who stayed there, journalist T. J. Raphael details how the home reportedly pressured teen mothers to surrender their babies in exchange for scholarships to Liberty University.  

Features Editor Whittney Evans recently spoke to Rafael and Sarah P. — a former resident and case manager at the Godparent Home. 

Liberty Lost is a six-episode, limited series podcast produced by and available on Wondery as well as other podcast platforms. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Are you enjoying the audio versions of our VPM News Shorts? They’re usually posted twice a week to our ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. 

Our award-winning journalism is made possible with your support. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ for more information. 

Submit your own question to Curious Commonwealth at ⁠⁠⁠vpm.org/curious⁠⁠⁠.

Our award-winning journalism is made possible with your support. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ for more information. 

It is also registered as a minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business with a history of providing logistics support services for various government agencies, according to federal contract records.

In other news: Keyris Manzanares reports recent ICE raid in Southside Richmond has left residents shaken.

You can also watch this piece as a VPM News Short in English and Spanish! VPM News Shorts are posted to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Our award-winning journalism is made possible with your support. Visit vpm.org/donate for more information. 

In other news: The City of Richmond has put up anti-loiter signs near the Allianz Amphiteater; Suffolk is looking into Amtrak service; VCU Health is sunsetting its pediatric gender-affirming care — and more Central Virginia news.

Are you enjoying the audio versions of our VPM News Shorts? They’re usually posted twice a week to our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

Our award-winning journalism is made possible with your support. Visit vpm.org/donate for more information. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your support. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ for more information. 

Plus: A Fairfax County judge has ruled in Virginia Senate Democrats’ favor on the lawsuit they filed against rectors at GMU, VMI and UVA. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your support. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ for more information. 

Editor's note: WUSA reported late Saturday that Sereen Haddad's degree has since been released. VPM News has been unable to independently confirm this update as of Sunday night; we'll update this episode or include a note in Tuesday's should that change!

Our award-winning work is made possible with your support. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ for more information. 

VornDick, a career educator who's worked at James Monroe's Highland estate in Albemarle County for the last several years, became interested in the tale behind Elizabeth Kortright Monroe Hay’s life.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

But... most of today’s episode is tied to the federal clawback of $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and how that will impact Virginians — and public media outlets including VPM News. 

Interested in watching our VPM News Shorts? They're usually posted on Tuesdays and Fridays to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

Disclosure: VPM Media Corp. is the FCC license holder of VPM PBS and VPM News, which operates as 88.9 FM in Richmond, 89.1 FM in the Northern Neck (Heathsville) and 90.1 FM in Southside Virginia (Chase City).

As a newsroom, VPM News maintains editorial independence — this article went through our usual fact-checking and editing process. All interviewed station leadership did not know interview questions ahead of time, and they did not view this article prior to publication.

Questions about this article and VPM News’ overall editorial policy should be directed to Managing Editor Dawnthea M. Price Lisco and News Director Elliott Robinson.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your support. Visit vpm.org/donate for more information. 

But is Virginia one of them? Editor Whittney Evans investigates the answers in this week’s Curious Commonwealth with RVA’s Got Issues’ Rich Meagher (Short Summer Break Edition).

Submit your own question at ⁠⁠vpm.org/curious⁠⁠. You can listen to RVA's Got Issues on its website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Editor's note: An earlier version of this episode was missing the Curious Commonwealth music. Sorry about that!

Plus: Richmond's finance director resigns and VPM News will be hosting a Mug Stop in Charlottesville!

In other news: Environmental advocates call for pollution curbing at beaches, JMU has a new president — and more Central Virginia news. 

In other news: The City of Richmond is looking to redevelop a century-old warehouse in Rockett’s Landing, Charlottesville still plans to implement a homelessness intervention strategy — and more Central Virginia news. 

You can read the full report from the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO on our website. 

In other news: A road in Downtown Richmond is closed for an emergency sewer assessment, amateur radio enthusiasts held an open house last week — and VPM News gets to toot its own horn about some two awards the team received. 

In other news: Virginia’s ban on conversion therapy for minors was altered by a court’s decree to permit talk therapy; a Charlottesville zoning lawsuit was thrown out — and more Central Virginia news. 

Plus: Richmond Public Schools and the union representing school bus drivers finalize first-ever collective bargaining agreement. 

Submit your own question at ⁠vpm.org/curious⁠.

UVA's Board of Visitors voted in March to dismantle DEI initiatives following a January executive order from Trump. Since then, the US Department of Justice has been publicly pressuring Ryan and UVA to produce a detailed progress report on its ongoing cancellation of all DEI-related programs.

School officials told VPM News on June 20 that the federal government’s deadline for producing that report had been extended by DOJ. However, the public demands for its release have continued — and as first reported by The New York Times late last week, came to a head when Ryan was asked to resign in order to resolve the ongoing dispute.

University is essential to continue the core mission of research, education, and clinical care." Ryan’s resignation comes as four seats on the governor-appointed board — which will be responsible for selecting his successor — are set to turn over tomorrow on July 1.  

Plus: Several areas in Central Virginia have opened cooling stations.