Virginia Local News Project

05/26/2026

VLNP sponsored this month’s session of The Current, Who’s Telling Your Story?, a discussion about building stronger relationships between nonprofits and local media.

Special thanks to our own Executive Director, Betsy Edwards for moderating, and to the Virginia Press Association members who served as panelists Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Richmonder, Henrico Citizen and Charlottesville Tomorrow for sharing behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes a story stand out.

Local news and nonprofits both play an important role in keeping communities connected and engaged, and we are proud to be part of the conversation.

05/21/2026

Nonprofits are out here doing the work and local news outlets are looking for stories that matter.

Seems like a connection worth making.

This Thursday, you’re getting added to the group chat with

✨Betsy Edwards, /
✨Tom Lappas,
✨Erin O’Hare,
✨Michael Phillips,
✨Encarnacion Pyle,
✨Samantha Willis,
✨Mary Dunne Stewart,
✨Shayla Washington,

Who’s Telling Your Story? 👉https://blueoctopus.consulting/the-current

05/14/2026

Local news plays a critical role in keeping communities informed, engaged, and connected.

Nonprofit organizations are often closest to the people and issues shaping everyday life. But when these sectors are disconnected, important community stories can go untold.

Join us for the next session of The Current, sponsored by the Virginia Local News Project, for a discussion on how local media and nonprofits can work together to elevate important community stories.

Who’s Telling Your Story?
Local News, Nonprofits, and the Communities that Need You Both

Moderated by Betsy Edwards, VPA & VLNP Executive Director

Thursday, May 21 I 3:00-4:30 PM I Libbie Mill Library

Save Your Seat >> https://blueoctopus.consulting/the-current/

05/05/2026

It’s the second time The Post has won the prestigious award in five years. Former staff photographer Jahi Chikwendiu also won for feature photography.

04/17/2026

Local Journalism Researchers Workshop Day 2️⃣

Kicking off with our own VLNP Executive Director, Betsy Edwards, featured on a panel discussing United Press Associations: Collective Action for Local News Outlets?

04/16/2026

VPA Executive Director Betsy Edwards is in DC this week at the Local Journalism Reachers Workshop 2026.

Currently in a breakout session about State Policy & Interventions, moderated by

04/09/2026

Local news matters.

This week in Lexington, Matt Paxton, Publisher of The News-Gazette told us what local news means to its community.

Start Local >> virginianewsreader.com


TellingtheStoryofVirginia

04/09/2026

On , MS NOW announced a series of partnerships with three leading nonprofit organizations - including States Newsroom - furthering its commitment to investigative and enterprise reporting and strengthening its coverage of local communities throughout the United States.

Virginia's own Virginia Mercury is a States Newsroom news outlet.

MS NOW has announced a series of investments and collaborations with three leading nonprofit organizations in support of investigative and local journalism across the country.

04/09/2026

At a time when national headlines dominate our feeds, the most important stories are often happening much closer to home.

Local News Day is a reminder to reconnect with the reporting that keeps communities informed and accountable.

If you’re not sure where to start, Virginia News Reader brings it together in one place.

Start Local >> https://virginianewsreader.com/

04/08/2026

Across Virginia this week, local newsrooms are covering:

📍‘Colosseum’ fight: It’s sports resort vs. Buc-ee’s in a battle for central Stafford County (Fredericksburg Free Press)

📍Hampton boat tour operator abandons ship (The Virginian-Pilot)

📍Housing Families First’s newest program addresses homelessness among a youthful demographic, imparting adult lessons for lifelong stability (Henrico Citizen)

📍Growing health through the soil: Foundation launches Food As Medicine program in Dry Fork ()

Find the stories shaping what’s happening where you live 👉 https://virginianewsreader.com/

Virginia News Reader