Dean Mirshahi

1 week ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the City of Richmond and Chesterfield and Hanover counties. RichmondCity Council6 p.m. TuesdayCouncil chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Council is slated to vote on implementing a 5-cent tax on most single-use plastic bags starting Jan. 1, 2026. Councilors are also set to consider a proposed study on paying janitorial and security contractors the City’s minimum wage of $20 per hour.

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

The City of Richmond could start taxing plastic bags next year. City Council is set to consider a proposal Tuesday to impose a 5-cent tax on most single-use plastic bags used at pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores and other businesses. If passed, the surcharge would take effect in January 2026. Richmond would join 10 other Virginia localities that have adopted disposable plastic bag taxes after a 2020 state law gave them the authority to do so.

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Records show Virginia Department of Corrections staff were tasked with investigating claims of “brutality,” “racism” and “retaliation” at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County — and they quickly reported they found “no staff misconduct.”VPM News made a Freedom of Information Act request for text messages and emails from prison officials and Red Onion’s warden, David Anderson, most of which were withheld or redacted.

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Sabrina Joy-Hogg will resign as Richmond’s interim chief administrative officer on June 6, the City announced Wednesday. Joy-Hogg, who started working at City Hall in 2022 under former Mayor Levar Stoney, was confirmed by Richmond City Council as interim CAO in February. On top of running day-to-day operations as the City’s top administrator, Joy-Hogg also serves as the senior deputy CAO of finance and administration.

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the cities of Richmond and Charlottesville and Albemarle County. RichmondLand Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee3 p.m. TuesdayCouncil chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Director of Public Works Bobby Vincent is expected to present the City’s traffic calming efforts to the panel.