The News: Virginia Headlines

Maya and Devon spotlight Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — the Richmond-born brewery founded in 2011 by friends Eric McKay and Patrick Murtaugh, which opened as one of only two craft breweries in Richmond and grew into the Commonwealth's largest craft brewer by volume. Plus why now: the landmark October 2026 acquisition of Starr Hill Brewery uniting Virginia's two largest craft brewers, the fifteenth anniversary celebration at H...

Maya and Devon spotlight the Richmond Folk Festival, the free three-day celebration of American roots music and culture on downtown Richmond's riverfront — now in its 22nd year, born from Richmond's 2005-2007 run hosting the National Folk Festival and grown into one of Virginia's largest events. Plus why this weekend: the 2026 festival is underway right now, and Saturday at 5 PM brings "Soul of the City: Richmond Celebrates D...

Maya and Devon launch the Weekend Spotlight with the story of the Family Foundation of Virginia: founded in 1985 by Walt Barbee, born from a 1986 meeting in the back of a Richmond pancake house, now a 40-year fixture of Virginia civic life headquartered on East Franklin Street. Plus why this weekend: the 40th anniversary honor from the Virginia House of Delegates and the two constitutional amendments on November's ballot.

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Primary Sources:

[1], Central Virginia, Governor Spanberger Signs Executive Order to Protect Healthcare and Food Assistance, Office of the Governor of Virginia, https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/august-releases/name-1122870-en.html

[2], Eastern / Tidewater Virginia, Norfolk City Council Approves Funding Measures Aimed at Flood Mitigation, 13News Now / WVEC, http...

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Primary Sources:

[1], Central Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger Addresses Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly, Office of the Governor of Virginia, https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/august-releases/name-1122619-en.html

[2], Eastern / Tidewater Virginia, City Wins Award for Work Advancing Economic Equity and Inclusion, City of Hampton Official News,...

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Primary Sources

1. Central Virginia, Richmond Public Schools Completes 9th Annual Backpack Supply Drive, Richmond Public Schools, https://www.rvaschools.net/
2. Eastern / Tidewater Virginia, Norfolk Police Department Investigates Fatal Shooting on Colley Avenue, City of Norfolk, https://www.norfolk.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/10415
3. Northern Virginia, Governor Spanberger Highlights Housing Inv...

Primary Sources:

[1} Richmond Approves $45M Housing and Transit Bond https://www.richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/richmond-city-council-housing-transit-bond-2026/article_893212ab.html

[2] Fairfax County Updates Tysons Transit-Oriented Zoning https://www.ffxnow.com/2026/08/07/fairfax-county-tysons-transit-oriented-zoning-update/

[3] Port of Virginia Completes 55-Foot Channel Deepening https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/08/06/nor...

Primary Sources:

[1], U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ukrops-homestyle-foods-recalls-spaghetti-and-chicken-products-due-possible-foreign

[2], City of Norfolk Police Department, https://www.norfolk.gov/policenews

[3], Arlington County Virginia Government, https://www.arlingtonva.us/About-Arlington/Newsroom/Articles/2026/Police-Announce-Arrests-in-Auto-Fraud-Inv...

Primary Sources:

[1] Governor's Office Press Release: Spanberger Medicaid & SNAP Roundtable

[2] VisitNorfolk Official Announcement: Sarah Hughes Appointed President and CEO

[3] George Mason University News: Authorization to Host Virginia State Climate Office

[4] WFIR News Report: Roanoke Valley Step One Voluntary Water Conservation

[5] WSVA Radio Interview via Apple Podcasts: Rachel Dumene on School Immunizations & Measles Outbr...

Primary Sources:

[1] News From The States - https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/here-are-10-notable-new-virginia-laws-will-take-effect-july-1

[2] City of Norfolk Official Website - https://www.norfolk.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=10350

[3] USAFacts / FRED Economic Data - https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-unemployment-rate/county/alexandria-independent-city-va/

[4] U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Virginia - https:/...

Primary Source:

[1} Northern Virginia (Data Center Tax): Data Center Knowledge — Virginia Approves First-Ever Data Center Power Tax

[2] Central Virginia (Budget Overviews): Virginia Business — Virginia budget with data center tax moves to Spanberger’s desk

[3] Southwest Virginia (School Construction & Health Funding): Henrico Citizen / Virginia Mercury — Virginia legislators advance $205 billion budget incl...