https://www.wmra.org/stories-from-our-partners Stories from our Partners en-US Copyright Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:38:29 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/the-norfolk-based-uss-ford-returns-to-sea-after-a-fire-sidelined-the-aircraft-carrier The crew is bracing for a record deployment after five days of leave in Croatia. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:38:29 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/the-norfolk-based-uss-ford-returns-to-sea-after-a-fire-sidelined-the-aircraft-carrier Steve Walsh https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/aubrey-mckays-death-at-wallens-ridge-prison-ruled-a-homicide-by-the-state-medical-examiner The state medical examiner determined McKay’s June 2025 death at Wallens Ridge State Prison was a homicide. That’s according to a Virginia Department of Health spokesperson. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:58:13 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/aubrey-mckays-death-at-wallens-ridge-prison-ruled-a-homicide-by-the-state-medical-examiner Dave Cantor https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/expanded-trash-to-recycling-plant-using-ai-launches-in-portsmouth-under-450m-regional-agreement The project is likely to change how local governments choose to recycle. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:27:01 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/expanded-trash-to-recycling-plant-using-ai-launches-in-portsmouth-under-450m-regional-agreement Katherine Hafner https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/two-democrats-debate-virginias-mid-decade-redistricting-referendum "Republican state legislatures will continue to draw their maps this way if they believe Democratic General Assemblies will not return the favor,” Simon warned. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:09:17 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/two-democrats-debate-virginias-mid-decade-redistricting-referendum Brad Kutner https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/pope-schapiro-spanberger-signs-first-bills-into-law Abigail Spanberger has spent the week signing bills into law – the first ones of her governorship. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and the latest in state politics and government. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/pope-schapiro-spanberger-signs-first-bills-into-law Michael Pope & Jeff Schapiro https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/virginia-will-soon-have-an-eviction-prevention-program Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation that aims to help those facing eviction. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-03/virginia-will-soon-have-an-eviction-prevention-program Michael Pope https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/confederate-school-names-case-defense-attorney-discusses-strategy-motivation A federal judge already decided the Shenandoah County School Board violated the First Amendment when they reinstated Confederate names on public schools. The court is still considering whether they broke other laws in the process. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi spoke with the school board's lead attorney about the case and filed this report. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:14:59 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/confederate-school-names-case-defense-attorney-discusses-strategy-motivation Randi B. Hagi https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/spanberger-signs-education-related-bills-into-law The governor signed eight pieces of legislation Thursday. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:26:57 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/spanberger-signs-education-related-bills-into-law Brad Kutner https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/after-record-losses-virginia-republicans-look-to-pick-up-the-pieces Delegate Tim Griffin said “kitchen table” issues need to be front and center. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/after-record-losses-virginia-republicans-look-to-pick-up-the-pieces Brad Kutner https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/more-manufactured-homes-may-soon-be-arriving-to-a-neighborhood-near-you-thanks-to-new-law Local governments across Virginia may soon be about to start considering more manufactured homes as a way to increase affordable housing. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/more-manufactured-homes-may-soon-be-arriving-to-a-neighborhood-near-you-thanks-to-new-law Michael Pope https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/virginia-police-often-search-alpr-surveillance-data-for-vague-reasons A VCIJ at WHRO analysis of Flock Safety data shows a startling variety of reasons – mandated by a new state law – for vehicle surveillance. Critics say the automatic license plate reader law has made use of the technology even less transparent. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-02/virginia-police-often-search-alpr-surveillance-data-for-vague-reasons Kunle Falayi https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-01/man-caught-by-fbi-task-force-in-rockingham-interstate-crash-indicted A man wanted by the FBI who crashed on Interstate 81 fleeing state troopers in February has been indicted on state and federal weapons and drug charges. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:59:21 GMT https://www.wmra.org/2026-04-01/man-caught-by-fbi-task-force-in-rockingham-interstate-crash-indicted Randi B. Hagi