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@vpm.org

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News and information from VPM News, Virginia's home for public media 📰 Who we are: vpm.org/newsroom

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VPM News @vpm.org · 21h

Human Rights First’s ICE Flight Monitor, which tracks immigration enforcement flights using publicly available data, documented 104 enforcement flights departing from Richmond International Airport through July 2026. There were 128 such flights in all of 2025. New from @keyrisreports.bsky.social:

ICE flights are using Richmond International Airport. Who controls them? - VPM

Over 100 enforcement flights have been traced to RIC in 2026.

VPM News @vpm.org · 29/09/2026

“Black Survival, Joy and Community at America’s 250th” was the theme of the Descendants of Enslaved Communities of Virginia's Descendants’ Day Symposium. DEC-VA VP Bertha French called the event part of a movement to re-center stories of enslaved communities in conversations about US history.

Symposium helps descendants of enslaved people connect with family history - VPM

“We believe descendants should not simply be the subjects of research.”

VPM News @vpm.org · 26/09/2026

Scott Ukrop said his father Jim's north star was shaped by a sense of competition and a belief in taking care of the customer: “Really trying to treat people to see how you'd like to be treated.”

Jim Ukrop, who helped grow grocery store into Richmond institution, dies at 89 - VPM

He was a "lifelong innovator" with a strong passion for his community and Richmond's growth.

VPM News @vpm.org · 25/09/2026

Virginia ELECT said mailers were sent out to 234,852 people after a landmark federal court ruling mostly struck down Virginia’s automatic felony disenfranchisement rule. The department also said it identified 998 people whose registrations had been incorrectly denied or canceled.

Nearly 235K Virginians should never have been disenfranchised, state says - VPM

Those residents are eligible to vote, following a federal court ruling.

VPM News @vpm.org · 24/09/2026

“We’re navigating a shift in the calendar year for our tax assessment. We’re in the midst of an open collective bargaining period,” Avula said at the city’s budget kickoff meeting Tuesday at the Central Richmond Boys and Girls Club.

Richmond leaders kick off fiscal year 2028 budget discussions - VPM

Mayor Danny Avula has proposed a one-cent real estate tax cut.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 23/09/2026

The National Weather Service had issued an extreme heat warning for Prince Edward County over the July 4th weekend, warning of heat-index values of 110 degrees or higher. CoreCivic acknowledged that Farmville has experienced air conditioning problems this summer.

As summer heat intensified, complaints emerged from Farmville Detention Center - VPM

Advocates say the facility’s operator isn’t doing enough to mitigate severe heat.

VPM News @vpm.org · 22/09/2026

@amylaufer55.bsky.social carried legislation earlier this year to order JLARC, the General Assembly’s research agency, to study AI policies in higher education. As part of the study, JLARC is tasked with developing a model policy for AI use in institutions of higher education across the state.

State government calls for study on AI use in Virginia colleges - VPM

“How should the classroom change now in the presence of this technology?”

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VPM News @vpm.org · 21/09/2026

Amid recent backlash against Flock Safety cameras, Mayor Danny Avula has directed RPD to purge their ALPR reader data every week instead of every 21 days. The change is 1 of 4 actions Avula announced Saturday in a video where he said the city would review its Flock deal, which runs until June 2027

Avula calls for review of Flock Safety contract in Instagram video - VPM

The company’s license plate readers have drawn heavy scrutiny over data privacy.

Reposted by VPM News

Hannah Davis-Reid @hannahdavisreid.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I’m working on a story about the impact of upcoming changes to Medicaid in Charlottesville. I'm looking for people who'd be open to talking with me about how new work requirements will impact them. Feel free to DM me or shoot me an email at hdreid@vpm.org!

VPM News @vpm.org · 17/09/2026

New data from the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary reveals that Chesapeake Bay osprey experienced their worst breeding season on record. To understand how populations are faring across the estuary, the researchers selected birds that live on water with varying salinity levels.

Chesapeake osprey birth rates reach historic lows - VPM

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is shaking up the federal government’s role in bay cleanup.

VPM News @vpm.org · 17/09/2026

As part of the new legislative mandate, nearly 40 two- and four-year colleges and two state agencies will be required to report detailed data on VMSDEP recipients and program funding to the General Assembly by Dec. 15 of each year.

State lawmakers order new data reporting about VMSDEP program - VPM

The tuition waiver for veteran families is growing faster than predicted.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 15/09/2026

Virginia has implemented a landmark federal court order and now no longer strips someone’s voting rights away over any felony conviction except three: murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

Virginia shrinks list of disenfranchising crimes, complying with federal ruling - VPM

Only three felony convictions can now be used to strip someone's voting rights.

VPM News @vpm.org · 15/09/2026

Hanover County recently completed a major renovation to the Wickham Building, home to the county’s department of elections, ahead of the early voting period. Officials celebrated the approximately $5m project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hanover’s administrative campus on County Complex Road.

Hanover renovates election office ahead of first day of early voting - VPM

“Hopefully, that’ll encourage more voters to participate.”

VPM News @vpm.org · 15/09/2026

On Sept. 17, we'll be co-moderating the 6th District Richmond School Board debate with @richmonder.org, featuring candidates Anne Holton and Jackie McDonnough. Both candidates bring decades of experience in education, public service and community advocacy to the school board race.

Holton, McDonnough vie for 6th District Richmond School Board seat - VPM

VPM News and The Richmonder will co-moderate a debate between the candidates on Thursday, Sept. 17.

VPM News @vpm.org · 14/09/2026

The Richmond Regional Water Workgroup has recommended using nearly $33M in state grant money for a filter upgrade at the city's main water treatment plant off Douglasdale Road. The project is expected to cost $43.8M, with the remaining funds coming from ratepayers in the region.

Regional water workgroup recommends $32.8M for Richmond treatment plant upgrade - VPM

The state grant is set to fund a filter upgrade at the Douglasdale Road facility.

VPM News @vpm.org · 14/09/2026

For over 15 years, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has given out food monthly at 10 mobile pantry locations across Virginia. Its goal: to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for those in areas with limited food options or transportation challenges — regardless of their income.

Mobile food pantries tackle rural hunger, one box at a time - VPM

How Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's work “puts food where people are.”

VPM News @vpm.org · 09/09/2026

Staunton's Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents is still open and the 2023 JLARC recommendation to shut it down hasn’t changed. “While some time has passed since the JLARC study, we don’t have reason to believe that conditions have improved significantly, if at all,” Hal Greer said.

JLARC renews call to close Virginia’s youth psychiatric hospital - VPM

Officials say they’re not currently planning to close the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 09/09/2026

The project developed by Charlottesville-based Hexagon Energy would use about 26 acres of the roughly 100-acre parcel off Blunts Bridge Road to develop a small-scale, 3-megawatt solar farm in Hanover County.

Small-scale solar farm in Hanover gives new life to Harris family land - VPM

Supervisor Sean Davis praised the proposal's balance of renewable energy and rural land preservation.

VPM News @vpm.org · 08/09/2026

If approved, the 1% increase to the county sales tax would be in effect through July 22, 2046 – which is the date when the county’s board of supervisors approved the referendum this year.

What is Chesterfield’s ‘1 for Schools’ tax referendum on fall ballots? - VPM

Chesterfield voters this election cycle will decide whether to approve a 1% increase to the county’s sales tax that would fund capital projects relating to

VPM News @vpm.org · 08/09/2026

This fall, Virginians could vote on whether people convicted of felonies can have their voting rights automatically restored once they are out of prison...125 years after Virginia's lawmakers rewrote the state constitution to disenfranchise Black voters. Watch "Amending Virginia: Voting Rights" ⬇️

Amending Virginia: Virginians may change the voter rights restoration process for felons - VPM

Watch the fourth episode of our limited series on constitutional amendments now.

VPM News @vpm.org · 04/09/2026

Judge Vernida Chaney, of the Court of Appeals of Virginia, wrote in an Aug. 11 opinion that Arlington County police's use of a "reverse-keyword warrant" to identify a suspect in a 2022 malicious wounding case via Google search history opens up questions about constitutional privacy protections.

Arlington police’s use of Google search data raises privacy questions - VPM

Police used a “reverse-keyword warrant” to identify a suspect in a 2022 case.

VPM News @vpm.org · 03/09/2026

The Cumberland County Planning Commission voted 5–1 Monday to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for Dominion Energy’s proposed 3-gigawatt Cumberland Energy Center, which would be the largest natural gas plant in the state.

Cumberland planning commission advances Dominion gas plant - VPM

The utility’s permit application now moves to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

VPM News @vpm.org · 02/09/2026

This fall, Virginians could decide to replace a currently-defunct ban on same-sex marriage in the state's constitution with a provision that any two adults can marry. VPM News' Jahd Khalil talked to people who support and oppose that amendment. Watch "Amending Virginia: Marriage Equality" now.

Watch Amending Virginia: Marriage Equality

Watch the third episode of our limited series on constitutional amendments now.

VPM News @vpm.org · 02/09/2026

Unionized workers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond's Northside went on strike Wednesday after over a year of trying to negotiate a contract with the garden. “For a long time, the garden has existed underneath the livable wage,” horticulturalist Clare Reines told VPM News.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden employees strike over wage disputes - VPM

Workers say the garden pulled its “final” pay raise offer — then came back with less.

VPM News @vpm.org · 01/09/2026

Luck Stone pulled its plans for a Hanover County quarry after opposition from residents like Rhonda Hammond. “I’m not opposed to development or companies coming to Hanover, but what I am opposed to is the explosion of our rural areas, and that’s what this felt like to me,” Hammond told VPM News.

Luck Stone pulls proposed Hanover quarry expansion - VPM

Luck Stone — a company that produces crushed stone, sand and gravel for construction projects in Greater Richmond — recently pulled plans to expand its

Reposted by VPM News

Whittney Evans @whittneye.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

From @vpm.org's Dean Mirshahi: Federal judge says Virginia still failing to follow voter restoration order www.vpm.org/news/2026-08...

Federal judge says Virginia still failing to follow voter restoration order - VPM

A federal judge says Virginia officials incorrectly applied his order in a landmark voting rights case ruling that found the commonwealth had wrongly kept

VPM News @vpm.org · 25/08/2026

“Community Solutions and Clutch remain available to support a direct-to-housing approach if the local conditions required for successful implementation are in place,” said Brian Jones. It’s not immediately clear whether Community Solutions and Clutch or the city pulled out of the partnership first.

Charlottesville's partnership with direct-to-housing providers ended - VPM

The City of Charlottesville is expediting the timeline for a temporary 24/7 emergency shelter at 2000 Holiday Drive ahead of a Sept. 1 deadline set by City

VPM News @vpm.org · 20/08/2026

This new positioning will mean big changes for Virginians over the next two years. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said the commonwealth will see a major influx of visiting presidential hopefuls. “We expect anywhere from 20 to 25 candidates, maybe even more,” Martin said.

Democratic National Committee taps Virginia for early 2028 presidential primary - VPM

In 2020, the last time the Democrats ran an open primary, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina held the early spots.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 20/08/2026

Richmond City Council is expected to discuss a resolution this fall that would direct Mayor Danny Avula’s administration to develop a formal “trust policy” to foster trust between immigrant communities and the city.

Richmond City Council to discuss immigration ‘trust policy’

“There’s no public safety without public trust.”

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VPM News @vpm.org · 19/08/2026

Virginia's Department of Social Services spent $52 million on a failed IT project to overhaul the state's outdated child support enforcement system, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Wednesday.

Virginia lost $52M on failed child support system project, Spanberger says

“Virginia paid serious money, and all we got were tools that barely worked.”

VPM News @vpm.org · 19/08/2026

“These places help us understand that freedom is not just something written in a document, it is something people have fought for, protected and expanded throughout our history,” Amber Hawkins said in a statement.

Hanover tour brings history of religious freedom in Virginia to life

Visitors experienced pivotal moments in the commonwealth’s history firsthand.

Reposted by VPM News

ELLIOTTrobinson @exit265c.com · 19/08/2026

It's very rare at this point for me to put my reporter hat on, but I recently sat down with director Stacey L. Holman and producer Maya Tepler about the @vpm.org documentary Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War.

VPM's 'Declarations' explores Black experiences during American Revolution

The documentary features four Black Americans who had roles in the Revolutionary War.

VPM News @vpm.org · 18/08/2026

Mayor Danny Avula on the third draft of Richmond's Code Refresh: “We've heard people say that they want density that makes sense, and we totally agree. This version does that by encouraging increased density in nodes and along major transit corridors throughout the city."

What’s changed in Richmond’s third draft of Code Refresh?

The new proposal includes changes to rules around accessory units and dwelling limits.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 17/08/2026

Virginia health officials say President Donald Trump's new executive order on childhood vaccines doesn't change the state's policies. However, doctors warn that the order presents a troubling issue: It could sow doubt about vaccines and increase risks for children as measles cases continue to rise.

Virginia childhood vaccines schedule unchanged after new Trump EO

"There's no new evidence to justify significant changes to the childhood immunization guidance."

VPM News @vpm.org · 14/08/2026

VCU move-in weekend has begun! Heavy traffic and road closures are expected as the class of 2030 starts their journey as rams. There are also construction projects underway at VCU that might make driving more complicated, too.

VCU move-in Aug. 14-15: Road closures planned, heavy traffic likely

Construction could also complicate the annual influx in Richmond.

VPM News @vpm.org · 12/08/2026

Now, Mobjack Bay osprey are producing even fewer chicks on average. "We are well below where we were during the DDT crisis," Bryan Watts said. "So the concern is that the bay population will decline again, and we're seeing some evidence of that."

Chesapeake Bay osprey populations are struggling

Amid wildlife concerns, fishery regulator considers new harvest caps

VPM News @vpm.org · 10/08/2026

Virginia is the only state in the American South that hasn't banned or restricted access to abortion since the US Supreme Court undid Roe v. Wade in 2022. This fall, voters will decide what's next. "Amending Virginia: Reproductive Rights" is available to watch now.

Watch Amending Virginia: Voters will decide reproductive rights' future four years after Roe

The second episode of our limited series on constitutional amendments is out now.

VPM News @vpm.org · 10/08/2026

"But we aren't foolish enough to think that we are uncompromisable," VITA's Chief Information Officer Mike Watson explained. "We've got different layers of protection to make sure that remains possible."

How Virginia keeps tabs on cybersecurity threats as AI takes hold

"But we aren't foolish enough to think that we are uncompromisable."

VPM News @vpm.org · 07/08/2026

Governors also have a form of representation in SCC cases through the Division of Consumer Counsel in the attorney general's office. Spanberger's decision to file as a full-fledged participant appears to be new: SCC spokesperson Greg Weatherford told VPM News he was not aware of a previous instance.

'Unprecedented': Spanberger to intervene in Dominion–NextEra merger

Guarantees "not sufficient yet" to convince her to support the merger.

VPM News @vpm.org · 06/08/2026

VPM Media Corporation has officially opened its new home in Downtown Richmond, bringing its workforce into the heart of Virginia's capital city and adding another major employer to a corridor Richmond leaders are focused on revitalizing!

New VPM HQ adds momentum to revival efforts on Richmond's Broad Street

"I felt it in my heart. This is where VPM should be."

VPM News @vpm.org · 06/08/2026

The new research comes as the commonwealth recently took steps to fund — and clear — the waitlist for one popular program. But experts and advocates say that the waitlist is only one indicator of demand for subsidized childcare.

Study estimates $1.7B cost to expand subsidized childcare, raise teacher pay

Researchers say Virginia needs to double its subsidized slots to meet statewide need.

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VPM News @vpm.org · 05/08/2026

UPDATED: Quadaire Patterson is one of more than 66,000 people who've had their voting rights restored by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. “The restoration of rights for me has not been solely about me voting,” Patterson said. “It’s been more about restoring, repairing and growing communities.”

Quadaire Patterson wants full citizenship for people convicted of felonies

Updated: Patterson is now one of more than 66K people whose voting rights Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored.

VPM News @vpm.org · 05/08/2026

Now that the dust has settled on Virginia's congressional primary elections, we can look ahead to the general elections scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. So...what's going to be on the ballots for November's general elections?

Who's on the ballot for Central Virginia's congressional seats in 2026?

All 11 House seats and one Senate seat are up for grabs in November.

VPM News @vpm.org · 05/08/2026

The polls are closed in Virginia — though if you are still in line at a precinct, don't leave! VPM News has you covered with live updating results from this year's congressional primaries (courtesy of @apnews.com) and more election reporting from across the commonwealth.

Virginia's 2026 primary elections: Live results and more

VPM News provides comprehensive election coverage across local, state, and national races, ensuring you stay updated on every significant electoral event.

VPM News @vpm.org · 04/08/2026

WATCH: In our latest VPM News Short, Dean Mirshahi spoke to Quadaire Patterson, a criminal justice reform advocate who was formerly incarcerated, about the moment he learned his rights were restored by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

VPM on Instagram: "In Virginia, a felony conviction automatically strips someone of their right to vote. Only the governor has the authority to restore that right. VPM News’ Dean Mirshahi spoke to Qua...

18 likes, 0 comments - myvpm on August 4, 2026: "In Virginia, a felony conviction automatically strips someone of their right to vote. Only the governor has the authority to restore that right. VPM Ne...

VPM News @vpm.org · 31/07/2026

Since taking office in January, Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored the voting rights of more than 66,000 Virginians who lost them due to felony convictions, her office announced today. “The right to vote is foundational to who we are as Americans,” Spanberger said in a statement.

Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians

The governor’s office said it had to overhaul a system former Gov. Glenn Youngkin “gutted.”

VPM News @vpm.org · 30/07/2026

Attorney General Jay Jones' office asked a Washington County court to put lawsuits challenging Virginia's ban on new sales of the AR-15 rifle and other guns on hold until after the US Supreme Court rules on similar restrictions in other states — decisions that will likely come in 2027.

Virginia 'assault weapons' ban on hold until US Supreme Court hears gun cases

The court has already announced plans to take up similar cases in other states.

VPM News @vpm.org · 30/07/2026

After nearly five years of development, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors approved the county’s 2045 comprehensive plan Tuesday, along with several amendments to the long-term land use document.

Henrico supervisors greenlight 2045 planning blueprint

The document will shape long-term growth and development in the county.

VPM News @vpm.org · 29/07/2026

Chesterfield residents say recent attempts at dialogue by Google and county leadership have fallen short. Google hosted two open houses this month to answer questions about its three ongoing data center projects: Project Peanut, Project Loch and Project Skye.

Chesterfield residents call for more transparency on Google data centers

The trio of planned sites were unveiled months before the tech giant’s ties were made public.

VPM News @vpm.org · 29/07/2026

The group has worked with chefs, school nutritionists and K-12 students to create an indigenous lunch menu for schools in Virginia with USDA-approved recipes, like turkey wild rice soup, a three sisters stew with bison or venison, rabbit wild rice stew, bison empanadas and a fiddlehead wrap.

Indigenous food program to bring culturally appropriate lunches to Virginia schools

The menu is approved by the USDA and the toughest critics of all: kids.