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Writer Chris Whipple interviewed Trump's chief of staff 11 times, getting her view on cabinet members, Trump's revenge tour, Venezuela policy, and why she says Trump has an "alcoholic's personality."
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Kayla Bartkowski/Getty ImagesNPR is tracking the record number of congressional lawmakers – now more than one in ten current members – who have announced plans to retire or run for a different office in 2026. -
Michele Kelemen/NPRFar-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world. -
Getty ImagesA new NPR poll finds that President Trump's economic approval has hit a new low at 36%. And, Congress has two days to take action on health care subsidies.
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Two school board members take the stand in the fourth day of the trial over school names in Shenandoah County… Workers at one Starbucks in Harrisonburg are unionizing, following a national trend… Two non-profit organizations in Charlottesville work together to prevent conflict in the city….
WMRA Local News Features
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Tuesday marked the fourth day of trial over the Shenandoah County School Board's decision to reinstate Confederate names on two schools last year. Three witnesses testified, including two school board members. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Workers at the Starbucks on Port Republic Road in Harrisonburg are in the process of unionizing. They went on strike last week and are expected to vote on unionization this Friday, December 19. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with barista and union rep Michael Hulleman and asked what led to the decision to unionize. -
Two organizations in Charlottesville, Central Virginia Violence Interruptors, and Wartime Fitness Warriors, work together to prevent conflict in the city, in addition to helping young people develop in a positive way. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports. -
The trial over the Shenandoah County School Board's decision to restore Confederate names to two schools resumed on Monday with a full day of testimony. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Gabrielle Cerberville otherwise known as "The Chaotic Forager," joins us for WMRA’s next Books & Brews on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 7pm in Harrisonburg at Pale Fire Brewing. -
Friday (Dec. 12) was day two of the trial between the Shenandoah County School Board versus the Virginia Chapter of the NAACP and several Shenandoah County students. It was filled with emotional testimony and more historical context. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
A court case filed against the Shenandoah County School Board for its decision to revert two schools to their original Confederate names began on Thursday morning. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority recently announced a new accredited physician training program for providers who want to better advise their patients on the safe use of cannabis related products. But how are those products made? WMRA’s Sara Prince toured a state-regulated dispensary to find out, and filed this report. -
Earlier this year, WMRA reported on a man living in Staunton who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in early June. Last month, an immigration judge denied his application to stay in the U.S., despite his credible fear of gang persecution in his home country. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi spoke with Bob Leweke with the latest. -
A letter that Rockingham County leaders sent to the city of Harrisonburg back in June circulated on social media this week. In it, the county expresses their intention to terminate the legal agreement governing the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Virginia's 44th state park opened last month in the mountains of Highland County. Its backstory includes agriculture, hunting tours, and a battle over the defunct Atlantic Coast Pipeline. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Open enrollment is underway for Virginia’s health insurance marketplace. However, with federal tax subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, per the federal spending bill that was signed this week, Virginians could see much higher monthly premiums. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with Keven Patchett, the director of Virginia’s Health Benefit Exchange, about what to expect.
Enjoy a few special holiday broadcasts on WMRA & WEMC, from Monday December 15 through Thursday December 25.
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When WMRA reports on topics primarily about our Spanish-speaking community, you can read Spanish translations of those stories here.
News from our Public Broadcasting Partners
WMRA keeps you connected to the stories shaping life here in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia. This December, as we report on everything from winter weather impacts to local government decisions, your support keeps our expanded news team out in the community. With federal funding permanently reduced by $170,000, your monthly gift of $15 or $20 helps us strengthen local journalism heading into the new year.
The loss of $170,000 in federal funding is a significant challenge for WMRA, but it does not define our future. The heart of WMRA has always been the collaboration and resilience of our listeners, neighbors, and supporters. Even as we adapt to changing circumstances, our mission to serve our region of Virginia with trusted journalism and inspiring stories remains unwavering.
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