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Articles by Meghin Moore
VCU move-in Aug. 14-15: Road closures planned, heavy traffic likely
Virginia Commonwealth University is welcoming the Class of 2030 this week, ahead of the start of the 2026 fall semester. About 4,500 first-year Rams are expected to move into residence halls beginning Friday, bringing heavy traffic, in and around the VCU campus. . Starting at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Laurel Street will be closed between Broad and Main streets.
Curious Commonwealth asks: What's the deal with the House of Delegates' ceremonial mace?
Before the United States of America was even a country, when Virginia was part of the original 13 Colonies, an English-made, sterling silver mace took up residence in Williamsburg where the House of Burgesses (the predecessor of the House of Delegates) met.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative issues potential power disruption warning
On Sunday, officials with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative sent a message to customers alerting them that there might be scheduled outages. REC services Virginia residents in parts of the following counties: Albemarle, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, King and Queen, King William, Louisa, Madison, Orange, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren.
Resources, hotlines for ‘catastrophic’ winter storm
A major winter storm that’s swept through several other states is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain and ice to Virginia that could cause widespread power outages that last for days. State officials have warned of a catastrophic storm with dangerous ice accumulation and frigid temperatures. “We want everyone to be prepared for significant and extended power outages during and after the storm,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said during a Saturday press conference.
Central Virginia resources for the incoming winter storm
A massive winter storm with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and arctic temperatures is slated to hit a large swath of the United States this weekend — including Central Virginia and Greater Richmond.
Attorney General Jones, Governor Spanberger flex powers on Day 1
Virginia's new Democratic leaders didn't wait long to wade into national politics, signaling immediately they would contend with Republican President Donald Trump's administration in numerous policy areas. Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than two dozen new appointments to the boards at the University of Virginia, George Mason University and the Virginia Military Institute — the latest salvo in an ongoing battle over control of the commonwealth's public colleges.
Spanberger, Youngkin spar over UVA board appointments, president search
Education News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Shaban Athuman / VPM News Gov.-Elect Abigail Spanberger, and her husband, Adam Spanberger, join Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin to give remarks following their lunch on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Governor's Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. This story was reported and written by VPM News.
Spanberger, Youngkin spar over UVA board appointments, president search
This week, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger wrote a letter to the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors, requesting a pause on the search for a new president. The move comes as the university has been on the hunt for a new leader since the departure of former President Jim Ryan in June.
Eugene Williams, lifelong Charlottesville activist, dies at 97
Eugene Williams, a noted Black civil rights leader in Charlottesville and strong housing advocate, died on Saturday at the age of 97. Born in 1927 in Charlottesville, he graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Southern University. From there, he went on to serve in the US Air Force. In 1949, he married Doris Lorraine Payne, a school teacher, and had two daughters: Scheryl Williams Glanton and Karol Williams.
UVA rejects Trump administration's 'Compact for Academic Excellence'
This story was reported and written by VPM News. This is a developing story. The University of Virginia announced Friday that it rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump's administration. The "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," if signed, would require schools to adhere to a set of standards laid out by the White House in order to continue receiving federal funding.
UVA rejects Trump administration’s ‘Compact for Academic Excellence'
This is a developing story. Check back for future updates. The University of Virginia announced Friday that it rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump’s administration. The “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” if signed, would require schools to adhere to a set of standards laid out by the White House in order to continue receiving federal funding.
Francine, the famous Richmond Lowe’s cat, has gone missing
Francine — an iconic Richmond cat who lives at the West Broad Street Lowe’s — has gone missing. According to a social media post, an employee said the last time that Francine had been seen in the store was on Sept. 18. VPM News received this statement from a Lowe’s Home Improvement spokesperson Sunday night: “We are pet lovers at Lowe's, and Francine holds a special place in our hearts.
Joy and happiness radiate when GWAR and Lamb of God return to Richmond
A quick scan of the first few concerts at the Allianz Amphitheater reveals a common thread among many of the artists chosen to christen the stage at Richmond's new riverfront entertainment venue: Rick Springfield, Kansas and 38 Special, GWAR and Lamb of God. Wait ... GWAR and Lamb of God? As part of the VPM News summer series Finding Joy, News Editor Meghin Moore brings you along to a raucous homecoming show for two of Richmond's loudest bands.
University of Virginia names law professor interim president
This story was reported and written by VPM News. The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors announced law professor Paul Mahoney as the public university's interim president in a meeting on Monday. Mahoney, who has been a member of the UVA School of Law faculty since 1990 and served as its dean from 2008–16, will hold the role while the board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent successor to Jim Ryan.
University of Virginia names law professor interim president
The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors announced law professor Paul Mahoney as the public university's interim president in a meeting on Monday. Mahoney, who has been a member of the UVA School of Law faculty since 1990 and served as its dean from 2008–16, will hold the role while the board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent successor to Jim Ryan.
Thousands gather across Virginia Saturday for 'No Kings' protests against Trump
Saturday was the first time ElizabethProm-Wormleyhad protested, she said. “But it just … enough's enough already,” she said. “I feel hurt. I feel angry. I feel hopeless, and I don't like feeling that way as somebody who pays their taxes on time and gives to my community over and over and over again.” Prom-Wormley was one of thousands that gathered at the Virginia state capitol, as thousands more across the commonwealth protestedagainst the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Albemarle ICE detainees are being held in Farmville
VPM News is asking: How are federal immigration policies affecting Virginians? Two men who were detained on Tuesday in Charlottesville are being held at the Farmville Detention Center with pending hearings — and possible deportation from the United States. Plainclothes US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials entered the Albemarle County Courthouse on Tuesday morning.
Charlottesville unveils historical marker recognizing sale of enslaved people
This story was reported and written by VPM News. The city of Charlottesville unveiled its newest state historical marker Monday: a plaque recognizing the sale of enslaved people at Court Square Park. “It is critical that we acknowledge and educate ourselves on the dark history behind the industry that was once so central in Virginia's — and much of the country's — economy,” Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade said at the ceremony.
Charlottesville unveils Court Square historical marker
The city of Charlottesville unveiled its newest state historical marker Monday: a plaque recognizing the sale of enslaved people at Court Square Park. “It is critical that we acknowledge and educate ourselves on the dark history behind the industry that was once so central in Virginia's — and much of the country's — economy,” Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade said at the ceremony.
Why is it taking so long for Richmond to have drinkable water?
Click here to read the latest information on Greater Richmond’s water distribution, restroom facilities and power restoration. As of Friday afternoon, the City of Richmond is still continuing to restore water access to more than a quarter-million people. Virginia’s capital city has been without potable water since Monday, as residents have dealt with no or low water pressure — and water that wasn’t safe to drink without vigorous boiling.
City of Richmond under boil water advisory until further notice
A power outage at a Richmond water treatment facility resulted in a pump failure, forcing the city to issue a boil water advisory until further notice. Richmonders should boil water before consuming or using it and take steps to conserve water, the city announced Monday. Some residents have reported little to no water pressure in parts of the city, including the Fan, the Museum District and Scott’s Addition.
Charlottesville considering new shelter along Cherry Avenue
The city of Charlottesville is considering an arrangement with The Salvation Army to convert its thrift store along Cherry Avenue into a year-round, low-barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Currently, the group operates a high-barrier shelter nearby — at 207 Ridge St. — and plans to renovate the building, which will then be called the Center of Hope.
Central Virginia organizations accepting donations for Helene relief
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, groups have come together across the country to help people in Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina who have been impacted by the storm. There is also the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, and our partners at Blue Ridge Public Radio have compiled a list of North Carolina organizations for people to support.
Doug Emhoff discusses voter protection at Charlottesville stop
While campaigning in Virginia for the Democratic presidential ticket, Doug Emhoff stopped in Charlottesville and spoke with students at a voter protection training. Miles Cooper, the president of UVA Law Democrats, introduced the second gentleman Wednesday as someone who is “no stranger to the challenges of being a law student, those long nights of studying.” A career lawyer, Emhoff is currently a distinguished visiting professor at Georgetown University Law Center.
Ranked choice voting is coming to Charlottesville in 2025
The city of Charlottesville will become the second locality in Virginia to use ranked choice voting as a vote method in a local election, after Arlington County. The ordinance’s second reading was done at Tuesday’s meeting, which led to the Charlottesville City Council approving the use of ranked choice voting for its June 2025 council primary in a 4–1 vote.
Charlottesville council takes first step toward ranked choice voting
The city of Charlottesville could become the second Virginia locality to use ranked choice voting in its local elections. Charlottesville City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an ordinance that would result in Charlottesville using ranked choice voting for its June 2025 council primary. Former Democratic Del. Sally Hudson, an advocate for the method, said the city has a long history of advocacy around the issue.
These new Virginia laws are now in effect
This story was reported and written by VPM News. With the fiscal year starting in Virginia, most of the new laws signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from the winter’s General Assembly session are now in effect. Virginia has officially become the first Southern state to ban child marriage. There are also protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in the Virginia Code making the unions legal, even if the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise.
These new Virginia laws are now in effect
With the fiscal year starting in Virginia, most of the new laws signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from the winter’s General Assembly session are now in effect. Virginia has officially become the first Southern state to ban child marriage. There are also protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in the Virginia Code making the unions legal, even if the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise.
Swords Into Plowshares asks how Robert E. Lee statue should be repurposed
Members of the Charlottesville community joined Swords Into Plowshares on Tuesday as the group works toward “recasting and reclaiming” Market Street Park, where a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and his horse, Traveller, stood from 1924 until 2021. “Part of the way that we want to claim space is to have art … art that speaks to us — to our better selves, that speaks to the whole community,” said Jalane Schmidt, a University of Virginia professor.
Richmond sets youth curfew amid spate of gun violence
Richmond officials are responding to the recent increase in gun violence affecting city school students by implementing a curfew for minors. Between March 31 and Monday, eight people in Richmond have been shot — and four of those who died were public school students, according to Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. Edwards identified a throughline in the recent violence: “The common theme in these murders are simple arguments that have escalated into gunfire.
Dolly Parton’s free books program to expand statewide in Virginia
“The Little Engine That Could” left an indelible mark on singer Dolly Parton. She loved the classic tale of perseverance so much as a child, the country singer wanted it to be the first book kids receive when they sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This story was reported and written by VPM News Building strong, early literacy skills has been a top priority for Del. Carrie Coyner (R–Chesterfield) since taking office.
Dolly Parton’s free books program to expand statewide in Virginia
“The Little Engine That Could” left an indelible mark on singer Dolly Parton . She loved the classic tale of perseverance so much as a child, the country singer wanted it to be the first book kids receive when they sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library . Building strong, early literacy skills has been a top priority for Del. Carrie Coyner (R–Chesterfield) since taking office. And it’s why she introduced legislation to expand the free books program in Virginia.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoes cannabis, minimum wage bills
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 100 General Assembly bills and issued vetoes of Democrat priorities on Thursday. The vetoes come a day after a $2 billion arena deal Youngkin pushed for in Alexandria concluded. This story was reported and written by VPM News The Republican vetoed seven pieces of Democrat-led legislation, including bills that would have raised the minimum hourly wage and set up a retail cannabis market. He’d recently indicated during press appearances that the bills would be axed.
Looking ahead to January: General Assembly bills start trickling in
When the General Assembly reconvenes on Jan. 10, Democrats will have control of both the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, with Republicans holding the minority seats and governorship. This week, Virginia’s legislators began to pre-file bills and resolutions that they think are in the commonwealth's best interests.
City Council seeking interim replacement for Jones
Richmond City Council is seeking 9th District applicants to serve the remainder of outgoing President Mike Jones' term, which runs through the end of 2024. Jones announced his resignation on Nov. 9, effective Dec. 31, after winning a spot representing Virginia House District 77.
The last day at Charlottesville's Market Street Park encampment
Although unhoused people aren't uncommon on Charlottesville’s mall, encampments — at least in this part of Virginia — typically aren't on a main drag in a touristy downtown area. And up until Saturday night, signs of the city’s growing unhoused population were highly visible at Market Street Park.
How Virginia redistricts election maps: A 2023 VPM voter guide
Del. Lamont Bagby ran against Steve Imholt and won the race for Senate District 9 during the winter. Now, the Democrat is running as an incumbent in Senate District 14. But why? Well, it’s because of redistricting. What is redistricting? Redistricting is a process that pulls information from the U.S. Census Bureau: In simple terms, it’s how new political boundaries are drawn.
RVA BikeShare 2.0 exists, but does not work
For months, bikes have been locked up and docked at stations, unable to be used as the city of Richmond switched operators for its bike-sharing program. Former operator Bewegen Technologies, a Canadian outfit, unexpectedly declared bankruptcy in May. After months of silence, RVA BikeShare formally relaunched this week under a new operator: Wegoshare, a Portugal-based firm that previously partnered with Bewegen on bikeshares.
Virginia Lawmakers Push Bipartisan Bill to Expand Use of 529 Savings Plans
Under Virginia’s 529 savings plan, families who’ve built up accounts for years to help with college savings have found out they can’t be used for technical training or other atypical four-year programs. Now, Virginia lawmakers want to help change that. Two of Virginia’s members of Congress have launched a bipartisan effort to overhaul the tax code to allow college savings plans to be used for workforce training and accreditation programs, instead of just traditional four-year programs.
Dollars and Common Sense: Madison Irving on Why He’s Running for Henrico School Board
Madison Irving has recently finished up his fifth year as an economics and personal finance teacher at James River High School. Now, he’s running for school board. Henrico County School Board candidate Madison Irving always wanted to help others, and he looked to his parents for inspiration when he decided to switch careers — from working in wealth management to becoming a teacher, which helped give him some solid insight for his decision to run.
Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday Will End This Year
Unless Virginia legislators take swift action, the sales tax holiday that usually occurs during the first weekend of August will soon be a thing of the past. As of July 1, 2023, the countdown to Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday in August won’t occur this year because of an expiration date in Virginia’s Appropriation Act from 2022.
Your 2023 Virginia Primary Election Voting Checklist
Many localities across Virginia are holding primary elections for state legislative and local offices on Tuesday, June 20. Here’s what you need to know to cast your ballot. Have you registered to vote? Check and/or update your voter registration status here. If you missed the primary voter registration deadline, you can still cast your primary ballot with Same-Day Voting Registration! You’ll register at your polling location and cast a provisional ballot on-site.
Del. Sally Hudson on Pets, Politics, Reproductive Freedom, and More
“This is one of the Democratic strongholds on the state senate map. and it needs a senator who is willing to set the pace for change in Virginia.” Del. Sally Hudson has been hard at work for her constituents in Virginia’s 57th House District since 2020, and now she’s set her sights on the Virginia state Senate. She’s running against incumbent Sen. Creigh Deeds, a man she has a lot of respect for, in the June 20 primary for the Charlottesville-area Senate District 11.
Your 2023 Primary Election Voting Checklist
Have you registered to vote? Check and/or update your voter registration status here. Register to vote here, if you haven’t registered yet. Amie Knowles has a video on how easy it is to register online! Do you know what the prerequisites are to register to vote in Virginia? You must be a United States citizen. You must be a resident of Virginia. You must be at least 18 years old by the next general election.
Youngkin to Spend $3 Million in Taxpayer Dollars to Send Virginia National Guard to Texas
Following the lead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that he has directed the Virginia National Guard to send 100 troops to Texas to assist with what Youngkin calls an “ongoing border crisis.” Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced this week that he’s deploying Virginia National Guard troops to Texas’ southern border in response to a request from Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Del. Dan Helmer on Camping, Campaigning, Culture Wars, and Community - Dogwood
To Del. Dan Helmer, serving in Virginia’s House of Delegates is “incredibly humbling,” and that’s why he’s running for office again. Recently, he sat down with The Dogwood to discuss everything from why he first ran for office to his love for camping in the commonwealth. As a military veteran who is also the son of immigrants and the grandson of Holocaust survivors and refugees, Dan Helmer knows what it’s like to step up and be a leader for the community he so dearly loves.
Virginia Republicans Want to Abandon Bipartisan Voter Protection System
Despite being one of the seven founding states of the Electronic Registration Information Center, Virginia’s top election official has announced that the commonwealth would be withdrawing from the bipartisan, multistate partnership originally founded in 2012.
Sen. Creigh Deeds on Beagles, Bipartisanship, and Budget Battles
State Sen. Creigh Deeds has been serving Virginia for more than 30 years, and he recently made the news when his beagle, Mila, went on a two week excursion after getting loose in Albemarle County. Ahead of the June primary, where incumbent Deeds is being challenged by Del.
Leaders Call For Youngkin to Fire DEI Chief
More Black leaders are calling for Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Chief Diversity Officer to be fired over recent comments he made condemning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Numerous state leaders are calling on Virginia’s Chief Diversity Officer Martin D. Brown to resign after he criticized efforts to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Sick Of Divisive Attacks On Schools? New Group Aims To Refocus School Boards On Students, Real Education Policy
There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to getting people involved with getting to know their local school boards: We the People For Education. Fed up with the small but vocal groups that have brought the country’s culture wars to their local school districts, a new organization of Virginians has formed to push back against disinformation and help elect local, pro-public education leaders.
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