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Hundreds gather at The Valentine to celebrate Bill Martin’s life and legacy
“Bill's life is a testament to the power of … showing up for our community.”
www.vpm.org
“Every year, before the event, I would get a call or a text from Bill that said, ‘What's your pizza order?’”
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
Reposted by VPM News
Virginia legislators are considering a $36 million budget amendment to expand a gun violence prevention program that researchers say has been a good investment.
www.vpm.org/generalassem...
www.vpm.org/generalassem...
General Assembly considers $36M expansion of gun violence prevention program
The Safer Communities Program currently funds initiatives in 4 cities, including Richmond.
www.vpm.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Virginia legislators are considering a $36 million budget amendment to expand a gun violence prevention program that researchers say has been a good investment.
www.vpm.org/generalassem...
www.vpm.org/generalassem...
“Every year, before the event, I would get a call or a text from Bill that said, ‘What's your pizza order?’”
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
Hundreds gather at The Valentine to celebrate Bill Martin’s life and legacy
“Bill's life is a testament to the power of … showing up for our community.”
www.vpm.org
February 8, 2026 at 4:32 PM
“Every year, before the event, I would get a call or a text from Bill that said, ‘What's your pizza order?’”
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
Many visitors to Bill Martin's memorial said what stood out to them was Martin’s daily acts of kindness, despite his packed schedule across the city.
More from @deanmirshahi.bsky.social:
A Virginia Senate panel on Wednesday approved revisions to a retail cannabis market bill that exposed Democrats' divisions on how to penalize underage possession and other potential crimes.
Amended cannabis market bill passes despite split among Senate Democrats
The revisions concern sales and possession that remain illegal after the market opens.
www.vpm.org
February 7, 2026 at 10:06 PM
A Virginia Senate panel on Wednesday approved revisions to a retail cannabis market bill that exposed Democrats' divisions on how to penalize underage possession and other potential crimes.
Among the bills signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger today on proposed voter referenda?
A constitutional amendment around redistricting, restoring voting rights to people who've completed felony sentences, protecting abortion access and contraception and enshrining marriage equality for Virginians.
A constitutional amendment around redistricting, restoring voting rights to people who've completed felony sentences, protecting abortion access and contraception and enshrining marriage equality for Virginians.
Spanberger signs bill moving redistricting vote one step closer
The governor also signed bills calling for votes on 3 other proposed constitutional amendments.
www.vpm.org
February 6, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Among the bills signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger today on proposed voter referenda?
A constitutional amendment around redistricting, restoring voting rights to people who've completed felony sentences, protecting abortion access and contraception and enshrining marriage equality for Virginians.
A constitutional amendment around redistricting, restoring voting rights to people who've completed felony sentences, protecting abortion access and contraception and enshrining marriage equality for Virginians.
Va. lawmakers unveiled a proposed congressional map designed to help Democrats win four more seats in the US House of Representatives in the fall midterms.
The map and demographic information was posted Thursday evening as a proposed amendment to the current budget.
The map and demographic information was posted Thursday evening as a proposed amendment to the current budget.
Virginia Democrats propose potential 10–1 congressional map for 2026 midterms
"These are not ordinary times, and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens."
www.vpm.org
February 6, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Va. lawmakers unveiled a proposed congressional map designed to help Democrats win four more seats in the US House of Representatives in the fall midterms.
The map and demographic information was posted Thursday evening as a proposed amendment to the current budget.
The map and demographic information was posted Thursday evening as a proposed amendment to the current budget.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive directive Wednesday instructing the state's law enforcement agencies to terminate agreements that allowed them to be deputized to conduct federal immigration enforcement activities.
*This is a developing story and will be updated
*This is a developing story and will be updated
BREAKING: Spanberger orders state law enforcement to exit federal immigration agreements
The governor also signed an executive order laying out priorities for state police.
www.vpm.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive directive Wednesday instructing the state's law enforcement agencies to terminate agreements that allowed them to be deputized to conduct federal immigration enforcement activities.
*This is a developing story and will be updated
*This is a developing story and will be updated
Immigration was a major topic at the Richmond School Board's meeting Tuesday night. Board members faced questions about the district's support for students with detained family members and proposed cuts to a virtual academy that could be used by students who don't feel safe coming to school.
Immigration policy takes center stage at Richmond school board meeting
RPS’ proposed budget would cut a virtual academy used by students who don’t feel safe coming to school.
www.vpm.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Immigration was a major topic at the Richmond School Board's meeting Tuesday night. Board members faced questions about the district's support for students with detained family members and proposed cuts to a virtual academy that could be used by students who don't feel safe coming to school.
Former Virginia Education Secretary and first lady Anne Holton is joining the Richmond School Board. The board voted Monday to approve Holton as an interim replacement for 6th District Representative Shonda Harris-Muhammed, who resigned in December.
Anne Holton, former state education chief, named to Richmond school board
The former first lady of Virginia will represent the 6th District on an interim basis.
www.vpm.org
February 3, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Former Virginia Education Secretary and first lady Anne Holton is joining the Richmond School Board. The board voted Monday to approve Holton as an interim replacement for 6th District Representative Shonda Harris-Muhammed, who resigned in December.
The Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya are crossing through Greater Richmond as their 2,300-mile "Walk for Peace" (which started in Fort Worth, Texas, 100 days ago) nears its final destination of Washington, DC.
Texas-based monks bring ‘Walk for Peace’ through Chesterfield
The group is heading through the Richmond area en route to Washington, DC.
www.vpm.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:24 AM
The Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya are crossing through Greater Richmond as their 2,300-mile "Walk for Peace" (which started in Fort Worth, Texas, 100 days ago) nears its final destination of Washington, DC.
Reposted by VPM News
STEPS (Support, Trust, Employment, Perseverance, Strength) is the brainchild of Khatool Masoudi, who couldn’t find a local group for refugee women when she arrived in the US with her family in 2014 on a special immigrant visa— so she decided to create one.
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
STEPS program bridges the gap for refugee women in Charlottesville
Many participants are on special visas for people who aided the US military or embassies abroad.
www.vpm.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:40 PM
STEPS (Support, Trust, Employment, Perseverance, Strength) is the brainchild of Khatool Masoudi, who couldn’t find a local group for refugee women when she arrived in the US with her family in 2014 on a special immigrant visa— so she decided to create one.
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
The Hanover County property that federal immigration officials wanted to buy and convert into an immigrant processing and detention center is no longer for sale, according to a statement released by the Canadian-based developer that owns it.
Hanover County facility sought by ICE is no longer for sale
Updated Jan. 30: Jim Pattison Developments says "the transaction ... will not be proceeding."
www.vpm.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:47 PM
The Hanover County property that federal immigration officials wanted to buy and convert into an immigrant processing and detention center is no longer for sale, according to a statement released by the Canadian-based developer that owns it.
"You can't climb a ladder that is rigged to collapse as soon as you take your first step," Del. Jackie Glass told lawmakers during a January subcommittee meeting. The legislation was referred to the House Appropriations subcommittee on elementary and secondary education for further review.
Bill aims to address "benefits cliff" for subsidized child care
Even small increases in pay can result in huge cost increases for families.
www.vpm.org
January 29, 2026 at 10:21 PM
"You can't climb a ladder that is rigged to collapse as soon as you take your first step," Del. Jackie Glass told lawmakers during a January subcommittee meeting. The legislation was referred to the House Appropriations subcommittee on elementary and secondary education for further review.
“Simply put, a DHS facility at this property on Lakeridge Parkway is not consistent with the established land use for the business, residential and commerce area,” Board Chair Sean Davis said. “The board opposes the purchase of this property by DHS because of these well-planned, current land uses.”
Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility
The locality’s ability to deter the purchase is extremely limited, though.
www.vpm.org
January 29, 2026 at 2:49 PM
“Simply put, a DHS facility at this property on Lakeridge Parkway is not consistent with the established land use for the business, residential and commerce area,” Board Chair Sean Davis said. “The board opposes the purchase of this property by DHS because of these well-planned, current land uses.”
Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley said in a ruling Tuesday that Virginia Democrats in the Legislature didn't follow state law as they attempt to redraw congressional districts in time for the 2026 federal midterms.
this story is breaking and will be updated.
this story is breaking and will be updated.
BREAKING: Tazewell judge rules against Virginia Democrats' redistricting amendment
Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley's order is a win for Virginia Republicans.
www.vpm.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley said in a ruling Tuesday that Virginia Democrats in the Legislature didn't follow state law as they attempt to redraw congressional districts in time for the 2026 federal midterms.
this story is breaking and will be updated.
this story is breaking and will be updated.
Reposted by VPM News
Youngkin pardoned Fairfax police officer in 2023 shooting, attorney says www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
Youngkin pardoned Fairfax police officer in 2023 shooting, attorney says
The officer killed a man and was later convicted of reckless firearm handling.
www.vpm.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Youngkin pardoned Fairfax police officer in 2023 shooting, attorney says www.vpm.org/news/2026-01...
We will still be off the air tomorrow morning, but you can stay connected with the latest VPM News offerings by signing up for our Morning Monitor newsletter!
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Stay Connected to What Matters
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January 26, 2026 at 8:55 PM
We will still be off the air tomorrow morning, but you can stay connected with the latest VPM News offerings by signing up for our Morning Monitor newsletter!
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This warning has now been canceled by REC.
A new notice on their website says that the co-op is "not required to implement any controlled outages related to this alert."
REC officials said that their system continues to operate normally, and no further action is needed.
A new notice on their website says that the co-op is "not required to implement any controlled outages related to this alert."
REC officials said that their system continues to operate normally, and no further action is needed.
Rappahanock Electric Cooperative officials emphasized that this is only a “warning,” but wanted to alert customers so they can make plans “in the event a transmission-level power interruption is directed by PJM.”
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative issues potential power disruption warning
The co-op’s multi-state grid operator, PJM, may order outages to reduce demand.
www.vpm.org
January 25, 2026 at 11:08 PM
This warning has now been canceled by REC.
A new notice on their website says that the co-op is "not required to implement any controlled outages related to this alert."
REC officials said that their system continues to operate normally, and no further action is needed.
A new notice on their website says that the co-op is "not required to implement any controlled outages related to this alert."
REC officials said that their system continues to operate normally, and no further action is needed.
Rappahanock Electric Cooperative officials emphasized that this is only a “warning,” but wanted to alert customers so they can make plans “in the event a transmission-level power interruption is directed by PJM.”
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative issues potential power disruption warning
The co-op’s multi-state grid operator, PJM, may order outages to reduce demand.
www.vpm.org
January 25, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Rappahanock Electric Cooperative officials emphasized that this is only a “warning,” but wanted to alert customers so they can make plans “in the event a transmission-level power interruption is directed by PJM.”
We also have a list of resources and emergency hotlines and alert system signups available on our website.
Resources, hotlines for ‘catastrophic’ winter storm
Click here for a list of local emergency alert systems, hotlines and more.
www.vpm.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:47 PM
We also have a list of resources and emergency hotlines and alert system signups available on our website.
Here's a list of closures (but not delays!) for tomorrow because...the weather has not been great.
Virginia school closures, delays for Monday, Jan. 26
It’s pretty much everywhere.
www.vpm.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Here's a list of closures (but not delays!) for tomorrow because...the weather has not been great.
Despite what a post said on the Charlottesville subreddit, a local Waffle House will be open through the winter storm.
Shelley Herring, who works in customer service at the location, said the restaurant will be open this weekend.
“We are nonstop, 24/7,” Herring told VPM News on Friday.
Shelley Herring, who works in customer service at the location, said the restaurant will be open this weekend.
“We are nonstop, 24/7,” Herring told VPM News on Friday.
Ahead of the storm, business as usual at Charlottesville's Waffle Shop
The "Waffle House Index" is frequently used to gauge the severity of weather conditions in the South.
www.vpm.org
January 24, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Despite what a post said on the Charlottesville subreddit, a local Waffle House will be open through the winter storm.
Shelley Herring, who works in customer service at the location, said the restaurant will be open this weekend.
“We are nonstop, 24/7,” Herring told VPM News on Friday.
Shelley Herring, who works in customer service at the location, said the restaurant will be open this weekend.
“We are nonstop, 24/7,” Herring told VPM News on Friday.
FEMA has declared a state of emergency in Virginia ahead of the storm.
"We are able to receive direct federal supplies where necessary for the purposes of health, health and safety of our fellow Virginians," Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
"We are able to receive direct federal supplies where necessary for the purposes of health, health and safety of our fellow Virginians," Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
'Dangerous to devastating' ice levels likely in Virginia due to winter storm
Updated Saturday: FEMA declares state of emergency in Virginia.
www.vpm.org
January 24, 2026 at 9:29 PM
FEMA has declared a state of emergency in Virginia ahead of the storm.
"We are able to receive direct federal supplies where necessary for the purposes of health, health and safety of our fellow Virginians," Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
"We are able to receive direct federal supplies where necessary for the purposes of health, health and safety of our fellow Virginians," Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
Forecasts are continuing to take shape for a major winter storm this weekend, with the National Weather Service saying "dangerous to devastating" levels of ice formation have become more likely across Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
More on the storm from @vpm.org
More on the storm from @vpm.org
'Dangerous to devastating' ice levels likely in Virginia due to winter storm
Updated Saturday: FEMA declares state of emergency in Virginia.
www.vpm.org
January 24, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Forecasts are continuing to take shape for a major winter storm this weekend, with the National Weather Service saying "dangerous to devastating" levels of ice formation have become more likely across Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
More on the storm from @vpm.org
More on the storm from @vpm.org
Gov. Abigail Spanberger will provide an update for the commonwealth on storm prep and safety at noon.
You can watch along with VPM on our YouTube or at VPM.org.
#winterstormwarning
You can watch along with VPM on our YouTube or at VPM.org.
#winterstormwarning
Spanberger Virginia Weather Address
YouTube video by VPM
www.youtube.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Gov. Abigail Spanberger will provide an update for the commonwealth on storm prep and safety at noon.
You can watch along with VPM on our YouTube or at VPM.org.
#winterstormwarning
You can watch along with VPM on our YouTube or at VPM.org.
#winterstormwarning
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to buy a warehouse in Hanover County and convert it into an immigrant processing facility.
The move comes amid increasing ICE activity in Virginia, including an uptick around Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inauguration last week.
The move comes amid increasing ICE activity in Virginia, including an uptick around Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inauguration last week.
ICE wants to use Hanover warehouse for immigrant processing
County officials have 30 days to respond to the federal agency.
www.vpm.org
January 23, 2026 at 10:05 PM
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to buy a warehouse in Hanover County and convert it into an immigrant processing facility.
The move comes amid increasing ICE activity in Virginia, including an uptick around Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inauguration last week.
The move comes amid increasing ICE activity in Virginia, including an uptick around Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inauguration last week.