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State Senate approves constitutional amendments for voters' consideration
Virginians will be asked to weigh in on redistricting plans as soon as April.
www.vpm.org
The Virginia Senate has approved proposed constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, voting rights restoration and mid-decade redistricting powers.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
The Virginia Senate has approved proposed constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, voting rights restoration and mid-decade redistricting powers.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
State Senate approves constitutional amendments for voters' consideration
Virginians will be asked to weigh in on redistricting plans as soon as April.
www.vpm.org
January 16, 2026 at 7:16 PM
The Virginia Senate has approved proposed constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, voting rights restoration and mid-decade redistricting powers.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
Voters in the state will now have the final say, with a redistricting vote likely to occur this spring.
Del. Kacey Carnegie ran in one of the most competitive House races. Her ties to the district, which represents parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk, run deep. She wants to help find ways to cut taxes to make life more affordable, and told VPM News about what voters told her on the campaign trail.
Del.-elect Kacey Carnegie: We're all more alike than we think
"He's a Republican, I'm a Democrat — but all of our constituents go to the same Starbucks."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Kacey Carnegie ran in one of the most competitive House races. Her ties to the district, which represents parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk, run deep. She wants to help find ways to cut taxes to make life more affordable, and told VPM News about what voters told her on the campaign trail.
Del. Virgil Thornton Sr. represents Poquoson and parts of York County and the City of Hampton. He's not a career politician. He's worked in shipbuilding, run car dealerships and started an executive leadership firm — a background he says will make him better prepared to serve his community.
Del. Virgil Thornton wants to get back to 'the community over the chaos'
"Here in Virginia, we're going to do what's necessary to level the playing field."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Virgil Thornton Sr. represents Poquoson and parts of York County and the City of Hampton. He's not a career politician. He's worked in shipbuilding, run car dealerships and started an executive leadership firm — a background he says will make him better prepared to serve his community.
Del. Lindsey Dougherty represents parts of Chesterfield and Prince George counties, along with the City of Hopewell. She wants to see more investments in housing and infrastructure, while keeping in mind that accessibility and affordability are top of mind for the Virginians she represents.
Del.-elect Lindsey Dougherty: Virginia needs investment in housing and infrastructure
People "deserve … to be able to live in the communities where they work."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Lindsey Dougherty represents parts of Chesterfield and Prince George counties, along with the City of Hopewell. She wants to see more investments in housing and infrastructure, while keeping in mind that accessibility and affordability are top of mind for the Virginians she represents.
Del. Leslie Mehta just wants to do her best to represent all of the constituents in her district, which includes parts of Chesterfield County, as well as Midlothian and Moseley. She has done a lot of work in advocacy spaces, particularly related to health care.
Del.-elect Leslie Mehta: Affordability is the name of the game
"The devil is going to be in the details."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Leslie Mehta just wants to do her best to represent all of the constituents in her district, which includes parts of Chesterfield County, as well as Midlothian and Moseley. She has done a lot of work in advocacy spaces, particularly related to health care.
Del. Jessica Anderson has worked at a Williamsburg-James City County public elementary school for eight years. Her district includes the City of Williamsburg, as well as parts of James City County and New Kent County. She wants to help ease the fears over the cost of living.
Jessica Anderson: Funding education makes communities economically 'robust'
Making child care more affordable is "going to lift all the boats."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Jessica Anderson has worked at a Williamsburg-James City County public elementary school for eight years. Her district includes the City of Williamsburg, as well as parts of James City County and New Kent County. She wants to help ease the fears over the cost of living.
Del. Mark Downey is the only doctor in the General Assembly. His district includes parts of York, James City and Gloucester counties, along with the City of Newport News. He wants to lean into his health care background to pass legislation to keep Virginians healthy in all aspects of their lives.
Del.-elect Mark Downey: Elected doctor seeks healthier futures for Virginians
"I felt like it was a natural extension of my job as a pediatrician."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Mark Downey is the only doctor in the General Assembly. His district includes parts of York, James City and Gloucester counties, along with the City of Newport News. He wants to lean into his health care background to pass legislation to keep Virginians healthy in all aspects of their lives.
A newcomer to politics, Del. Stacey Carroll represents parts of Stafford County. She decided to run for office because she “got tired of cussing at the TV.” She said the state should find “innovative ways” to deal with federal cuts that affect regular Virginians on a day-to-day basis.
Del.-elect Stacey Carroll: Virginia needs 'innovative ways' to deal with federal cuts
Why did she decide to run? "I got tired of cussing at the TV."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
A newcomer to politics, Del. Stacey Carroll represents parts of Stafford County. She decided to run for office because she “got tired of cussing at the TV.” She said the state should find “innovative ways” to deal with federal cuts that affect regular Virginians on a day-to-day basis.
Del. May Nivar represents parts of western Henrico+eastern Goochland counties; a district that has seen major demographic shifts since the 2023 general election. Her family immigrated to the United States from China, and she used her lived experiences as an immigrant to help her with policy-making.
Del.-elect May Nivar: Maintaining Virginia's way of life while encouraging growth
"I feel like I have the lived experiences to better represent this district."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. May Nivar represents parts of western Henrico+eastern Goochland counties; a district that has seen major demographic shifts since the 2023 general election. Her family immigrated to the United States from China, and she used her lived experiences as an immigrant to help her with policy-making.
Del. Mitchell Cornett represents parts of Southwest Virginia in HD46. He's from a part of the state that’s “economically distressed.” He wants to see wins in Richmond to help constituents, especially when it comes to economic development.
Del.-elect Mitchell Cornett: Southwest Virginia needs 'wins in Richmond'
"We're going to legislate. It's not a Trump agenda, it's a Virginia agenda."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Mitchell Cornett represents parts of Southwest Virginia in HD46. He's from a part of the state that’s “economically distressed.” He wants to see wins in Richmond to help constituents, especially when it comes to economic development.
Del. John McAuliff defeated one of the last Republicans representing Northern Virginia in November: Del. Geary Higgins. He doesn’t think localities should hold the burden of understanding implications of data centers, especially in his region of Loudoun, where many data centers have been appearing.
Del.-elect John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis
Northern Virginia data centers "sometimes run up right into people's backyards."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. John McAuliff defeated one of the last Republicans representing Northern Virginia in November: Del. Geary Higgins. He doesn’t think localities should hold the burden of understanding implications of data centers, especially in his region of Loudoun, where many data centers have been appearing.
Del. Elizabeth Guzman isn’t necessarily a “freshman” delegate in this year’s General Assembly. She originally represented HD31 from 2018-24, and was the first Latina immigrant to serve after she flipped a seat that was held by a Republican for 16 years. She represents parts of Prince William County.
Del.-elect Elizabeth Guzman: Businesses should 'pay their fair share'
"It's time for the community to get the benefits they deserve."
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Del. Elizabeth Guzman isn’t necessarily a “freshman” delegate in this year’s General Assembly. She originally represented HD31 from 2018-24, and was the first Latina immigrant to serve after she flipped a seat that was held by a Republican for 16 years. She represents parts of Prince William County.
Virginia's General Assembly is back in session this week — with a crop of 17 incoming delegates (16 first-timers and one returnee) at the Capitol.
VPM News was able to interview 11 of those lawmakers for a series of stories we've been running over the past few weeks. You can catch up on them below:
VPM News was able to interview 11 of those lawmakers for a series of stories we've been running over the past few weeks. You can catch up on them below:
January 15, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Virginia's General Assembly is back in session this week — with a crop of 17 incoming delegates (16 first-timers and one returnee) at the Capitol.
VPM News was able to interview 11 of those lawmakers for a series of stories we've been running over the past few weeks. You can catch up on them below:
VPM News was able to interview 11 of those lawmakers for a series of stories we've been running over the past few weeks. You can catch up on them below:
In his final joint address, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin paints the picture of a Virginia that is “stronger than she has ever been.”
General Assembly Democrats disagree.
via @jahd.bsky.social #VApol #generalassembly #Virginia
General Assembly Democrats disagree.
via @jahd.bsky.social #VApol #generalassembly #Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin: Virginia is stronger 'by every single metric'
The Republican's farewell issues party-line cautions as Democrats take control.
www.vpm.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:06 AM
In his final joint address, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin paints the picture of a Virginia that is “stronger than she has ever been.”
General Assembly Democrats disagree.
via @jahd.bsky.social #VApol #generalassembly #Virginia
General Assembly Democrats disagree.
via @jahd.bsky.social #VApol #generalassembly #Virginia
Reposted by VPM News
In his last major speech as chief executive, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will address both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond on Wednesday. (From @vpm.org) https://to.pbs.org/3NjLggQ
WATCH LIVE: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's 2026 State of the Commonwealth address
In his last major speech as chief executive, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will address both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond on Wednesday.
www.pbs.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:26 AM
In his last major speech as chief executive, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will address both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond on Wednesday. (From @vpm.org) https://to.pbs.org/3NjLggQ
From @jahd.bsky.social: Votes on four constitutional amendments on abortion, voting rights, marriage equality and mid-decade redistricting were the opening act of the 2026 legislative session for the Virginia General Assembly.
The state Senate is expected to pass the amendments later this week.
The state Senate is expected to pass the amendments later this week.
Virginia House committee advances 4 proposed constitutional amendments
The state Senate is expected to pass the amendments later this week.
www.vpm.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 PM
From @jahd.bsky.social: Votes on four constitutional amendments on abortion, voting rights, marriage equality and mid-decade redistricting were the opening act of the 2026 legislative session for the Virginia General Assembly.
The state Senate is expected to pass the amendments later this week.
The state Senate is expected to pass the amendments later this week.
VPM News will broadcast Gov. Glenn Youngkin's final State of the Commonwealth speech tonight, with special coverage from the Old Senate Chamber beginning at 7 p.m. on VPM PBS Channel 23 or via the livestream.
To listen on the radio, tune in to 88.9 FM, 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM.
To listen on the radio, tune in to 88.9 FM, 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM.
Youngkin set to deliver final State of the Commonwealth Address
How to watch the 2026 Virginia State of the Commonwealth address
www.vpm.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:46 PM
VPM News will broadcast Gov. Glenn Youngkin's final State of the Commonwealth speech tonight, with special coverage from the Old Senate Chamber beginning at 7 p.m. on VPM PBS Channel 23 or via the livestream.
To listen on the radio, tune in to 88.9 FM, 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM.
To listen on the radio, tune in to 88.9 FM, 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM.
Hello! VPM hasn't posted to Twitter since the 2025 water crisis abated on Jan. 11, 2025 as a public service announcement. We formally announced our move to Bluesky in December 2025.
January 12, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Hello! VPM hasn't posted to Twitter since the 2025 water crisis abated on Jan. 11, 2025 as a public service announcement. We formally announced our move to Bluesky in December 2025.
An investigation into abuse allegations at Virginia's Red Onion State Prison couldn't prove — or disprove — whether racism or retaliation drove men incarcerated there to intentionally burn themselves.
According to Virginia's Inspector General, most of the claims investigated were "unsubstantiated."
According to Virginia's Inspector General, most of the claims investigated were "unsubstantiated."
Allegations of racism, retaliation at Red Onion State Prison deemed 'inconclusive'
A state probe found other abuse allegations to be "unsubstantiated."
www.vpm.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM
An investigation into abuse allegations at Virginia's Red Onion State Prison couldn't prove — or disprove — whether racism or retaliation drove men incarcerated there to intentionally burn themselves.
According to Virginia's Inspector General, most of the claims investigated were "unsubstantiated."
According to Virginia's Inspector General, most of the claims investigated were "unsubstantiated."
Did you know that there's a herd of elk in North Chesterfield that originated at Yellowstone Park?
The elk have been a symbol of the Defense Supply Center Richmond for a long time, and it's the only Defense Department facility with permits to exhibit wildlife.
The elk have been a symbol of the Defense Supply Center Richmond for a long time, and it's the only Defense Department facility with permits to exhibit wildlife.
Curious Commonwealth asks: Why is there a herd of elk in North Chesterfield?
The mammals originated at Yellowstone Park as pets of a Canadian farmer.
www.vpm.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Did you know that there's a herd of elk in North Chesterfield that originated at Yellowstone Park?
The elk have been a symbol of the Defense Supply Center Richmond for a long time, and it's the only Defense Department facility with permits to exhibit wildlife.
The elk have been a symbol of the Defense Supply Center Richmond for a long time, and it's the only Defense Department facility with permits to exhibit wildlife.
You can also find our staff's favorite work of last year — web stories, videos, radio features, and more — here:
Best of 2025: VPM News staff's favorite local journalism
Here's our wishlist for 2026: Send us more reader questions!
www.vpm.org
January 5, 2026 at 10:01 PM
You can also find our staff's favorite work of last year — web stories, videos, radio features, and more — here:
👋 Hi hello, we're back after a brief holiday break! First up from VPM News as we work to bring you another great year of local news in 2026: @theshabomb.com's retrospective on the images that defined Virginia's 2025.
Best of 2025: A year in photography across the commonwealth
VPM News Photojournalist Shaban Athuman reflects on the defining images of the year.
www.vpm.org
January 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM
👋 Hi hello, we're back after a brief holiday break! First up from VPM News as we work to bring you another great year of local news in 2026: @theshabomb.com's retrospective on the images that defined Virginia's 2025.
Longtime Valentine Director William “Bill” J. Martin died on Dec. 28 after succumbing to injuries from a Richmond car collision Dec. 27.
“His dedication to sharing Richmond’s stories has left an indelible impact on the Valentine and the greater community,” acting museum director Meg Hughes said.
“His dedication to sharing Richmond’s stories has left an indelible impact on the Valentine and the greater community,” acting museum director Meg Hughes said.
Longtime director of The Valentine, Bill Martin, dead at 71
Martin helped foster conversation of Richmond’s history in the community through his work.
www.vpm.org
December 28, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Longtime Valentine Director William “Bill” J. Martin died on Dec. 28 after succumbing to injuries from a Richmond car collision Dec. 27.
“His dedication to sharing Richmond’s stories has left an indelible impact on the Valentine and the greater community,” acting museum director Meg Hughes said.
“His dedication to sharing Richmond’s stories has left an indelible impact on the Valentine and the greater community,” acting museum director Meg Hughes said.
Breaking: The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors named a new president Friday: Scott Beardsley, dean of UVA's Darden School of Business since 2015.
Beardsley called the selection "the honor of my life."
Beardsley called the selection "the honor of my life."
UVA board selects Scott Beardsley as new president
Beardsley, a longtime consultant, has led the Darden School of Business since 2015.
www.vpm.org
December 19, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Breaking: The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors named a new president Friday: Scott Beardsley, dean of UVA's Darden School of Business since 2015.
Beardsley called the selection "the honor of my life."
Beardsley called the selection "the honor of my life."