Ian M. Stewart
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Ian M. Stewart
@vpm-ian.bsky.social
Transportation reporter for VPM News (NPR member station) in Richmond, Va. Host of the World Music Show as well. Besides transpo stories, I like sports/human interest stories. It's all about good sound. Cycling nerd.
Thanks for tagging along...
May 22, 2024 at 12:59 AM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
Police at Virginia Commonwealth University used force to make an unknown number of arrests roughly 10 minutes after arriving at a protest on Monday night.

Earlier in the day, VCU students set up a “liberation zone,” writing chalk messages of public support for Palestinians and antiwar sentiments.
Antiwar protest at VCU ends in multiple arrests
An exact number of arrests or injuries was not immediately available.
www.vpm.org
April 30, 2024 at 1:24 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
“Admissible: Shreds of Evidence,” a VPM podcast questioned the accuracy of Mary Jane Burton’s lab analyses, which led to a state review of allegations made in the show and a recommendation to alert all parties in criminal cases Burton was involved with.
Virginia crime commission to review cases of former lab employee
VPM podcast ‘Admissible’ led to the review.
www.vpm.org
April 15, 2024 at 1:29 PM
Sometimes features take a long time to come together..thanks to the editors/photographers at @myvpm.bsky.social for the work.

check out my latest
To hit Vision Zero traffic safety goals, Richmond needs a ‘cultural shift’
The program seeks to end all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries by 2030.
www.vpm.org
March 7, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Really great to meet John and his son Calvin and hear their story as a back drop to Richmond's Vision Zero program.
March 4, 2024 at 4:11 PM
ICYMI the news, The World Music Show on VPM is now archiving shows on @myvpm.bsky.social TWO weeks worth! So if you missed last week's show or the show from the previous week, or you just like the show, you can now stream it whenever!
www.vpm.org/worldmusic
February 12, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Great World Music Show tonight, featuring @PiersFaccini (twice!) @dawnlandes @buscabullamusic @monoplasmamusic @q_rodrigoygabri @stephenmarley & @ziggymarley @MakingMoviesHQ & More! 6-8pm on @myvpm.bsky.social
*and if you miss it, you can now catch the archive!
February 10, 2024 at 9:32 PM
Hey, if you're a fan of the World Music Show on @myvpm.bsky.social (and who isn't? [don't answer]), Each show will now be archived for two weeks on our website. So, if you missed it, stream it later! Here's last week's show!
www.vpm.org/worldmusic
February 9, 2024 at 4:29 PM
"In April 2018, the project was scheduled to be completed by Winter 2020.
When asked about the delay last October, Kristen Nye (City Council – 4th District) said “The entire road project is being held up by CSX approval." Reports John Murden.
The Jahnke Road Improvement Project is now planned for 2026. Last year at this time the project was scheduled for Summer 2025. In April 2018, the project was scheduled to be completed by Winter 2020, then bumped to Winter 2022 by July 2019.
southrichmondnews.com/2024/01/29/j...
Jahnke Road Improvement Project slips to 2026
Jahnke Road Improvement Project slips to 2026 / South Richmond News - Richmond, Virginia
southrichmondnews.com
January 29, 2024 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office has advanced temporary regulations meant to hold law enforcement officers accountable that are slated to go into effect in March, more than two years after state law required them to be in place.
Youngkin advances law enforcement standards delayed since 2021
The regulations expand the reasons law enforcement officers can lose certification for misconduct.
www.vpm.org
January 22, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
Don Scott has been sworn in as the new Virginia House Speaker; the first Black Speaker of the House in Virginia state history.

"The historic nature of this moment is not lost on me," he told the House.

More from @jahd.bsky.social for @npr.org.
Don Scott becomes first Black speaker in Virginia Legislature's 400-year history
'The historic nature of this moment is not lost on me,' Scott said Wednesday.
www.vpm.org
January 10, 2024 at 9:08 PM
Wow, never had this happen while out on assignment-was at Chesterfield Towne Center, doing a story on GRTC expanding 1A further into the county & a mall rep had to physically be next to me as I interview & take pictures of people. 🙄🤔🤦‍♂️
January 5, 2024 at 6:53 PM
So, anyone still on Mastadon?

I keep forgetting I have it and, really, don't think I fully signed up correctly.
December 20, 2023 at 3:15 PM
www.vpm.org/news/2023-12...
If you're a radio person/sound nerd and like a good story, check out my latest for @myvpm.bsky.social Or just listen anyway--it's good stuff.
December 14, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
ICYMI: Have you heard the news 👀
Style Weekly has entered a (fashionable) new era!

Read more about the revamped brand identity and editorial strategy for an iconic Richmond publication below ⬇️
Style Weekly ushers in new era
Publication builds on iconic history with new brand, content and business strategy
www.vpm.org
December 12, 2023 at 4:53 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
The JLARC recommended Virginia shut down its lone psychiatric hospital for children, while also recommending action to give state facilities more leeway to turn away certain patients and encourage private hospitals to take more in.
State psychiatric hospitals remain overcrowded, understaffed
The Legislature's research arm reported safety concerns and recommended a facility’s closure.
www.vpm.org
December 12, 2023 at 7:39 PM
Hey. I’m looking for any commuters who regularly go to DC, Raleigh or Charlottesville by car for a story. DM or email me at [email protected]🚅🛤️
December 11, 2023 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
In Richmond, the benefits provided by locally-owned businesses aren’t spread evenly. Nearly 30% of people living in the area are Black, according to Census Bureau data. Yet, Black people own only about 20% of businesses in the area.

The latest in our Healthy City series.
How Richmond’s business makeup doesn’t match its residents
Only about 7% of companies with employees are Black-owned.
www.vpm.org
December 5, 2023 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
Cases of RSV are at a multiyear high in the Commonwealth, just as COVID-19 and flu cases are on the rise.

Good ways to stay healthy? Wash your hands and wear a mask (especially in high-risk settings)!

@henrybrannan.bsky.social's reporting is in partnership with Report for America.
As respiratory virus season hits Virginia, physicians offer advice
RSV is at a multiyear high in Virginia, and COVID-19 and flu infections are increasing.
www.vpm.org
November 28, 2023 at 4:19 PM
Hey, in case you don't know, I also host a World Music Show on @myvpm.bsky.social (Sat Nite, 6-8p). Give it try--good tunes this weekend, from all sorts of folks.
November 24, 2023 at 3:27 PM
Again, this can be done in Carytown
www.strongtowns.org/journal/2022...
#richmond #carytown
November 21, 2023 at 6:26 PM
👇
An independent assessment of Richmond’s gaming market in 2021 estimated that nearly $30 million in new tax revenue would come from a Southside casino. Nearly 2/3 — or about 64% — would come from gaming revenues, with food and beverage and property taxes each respectively contributing about 11%.
Gaming, gambling are the main source of Richmond's potential casino tax revenue
A 2021 city-commissioned study said casino’s 'win per visit' would be roughly $120.
www.vpm.org
November 3, 2023 at 5:34 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
In the latest installment of our Healthy City series, @vpm-ian.bsky.social and photographer Shaban Athuman caught up with some Richmond residents to learn more about their public transportation habits, and how they utilize it in their daily lives.
How these Richmonders commute on public transit
One transportation advocate said keeping free bus rides will help ensure transit stays efficient and equitable.
www.vpm.org
November 1, 2023 at 9:54 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
ICYMI: The health of the James River has improved since the 2021 State of the James report, but progress has slowed.

Richmond submitted an interim work plan in 2021, which is being implemented now to help improve its system and reduce annual bacteria pollution. A final plan is due in July 2024.
James River health improves slightly, environmental group says
Richmond officials requesting state funds to meet goals.
www.vpm.org
October 30, 2023 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by Ian M. Stewart
Operation Broomsday: Street sweeper MF Broom returning to bike lanes this spring in Richmond (really!)

Did you know that in 2022, MF Broom cleaned 350 lane miles, but in 2023 it only cleaned 120 miles due to a myriad of issues — including equipment shortages. via @vpm-ian.bsky.social 🚲
Operation Broomsday: Street sweeper MF Broom returning to bike lanes this spring, city says
It’s been out of sight for several months. VPM News found out why.
www.vpm.org
October 30, 2023 at 1:26 PM