Dean Mirshahi

Richmond

Reporter at VPM

@8News Digital Reporter [email protected]

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Articles

On the agenda: Richmond budget amendments, Ashcake Road Landfill expansion

3 days ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the cities of Richmond and Charlottesville and the counties of Chesterfield, Albemarle and Hanover. RichmondCity Council1 p.m. Monday Council chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Members are set to talk over their proposed changes to Mayor Danny Avula’s spending plan for fiscal year 2026. The council has also scheduled time for a closed session to consider an appointee’s performance.
VCU protest spotlights cancellation of student visas at Virginia colleges

6 days ago | vpm.org | Megan Pauly |Dean Mirshahi

Over 100 people chanted “hands off our students now” during an April 14 protest on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus, in response to the termination of about three dozen student and alumni visas on Virginia campuses in recent days by President Donald Trump’s administration. The protest was organized by VCU’s Students for Justice in Palestine group, which has been organizing regular protests over the war in Gaza.
State health department finds years of ‘neglect’ behind Richmond water crisis

1 week ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Dealing with January’s power outage at Richmond’s main water treatment plant should have been routine for the city’s Department of Public Utilities, but the state health commissioner said years of “neglect” led to the regional water crisis. State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton shared this assessment with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in an April 15 letter outlining the findings of an investigation led by the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water.
Major changes to come following Richmond’s new zoning code

1 week ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Richmond City Councilor Ellen Robertson recently asked Kevin Vonck, the city’s planning director, if zoning rule changes could help the River City reach 400,000 residents — almost twice as many people as it has now. “I think the city could do that population,” Vonck answered.
Avula budget presentation, Richmond combined sewer update and Henrico real estate tax rates

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi |Lyndon German |Billy Shields

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in Richmond, and Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties. City Council1 p.m. MondayCouncil chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.The council is set to hold a budget work session to review Mayor Danny Avula’s proposed $3 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026, which begins in July and ends June 30, 2026. Organizational Development Standing Committee4 p.m. MondayCouncil chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N.
Final report on Richmond water crisis details poor communication by city

3 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Richmond’s main water treatment plant lost power on Jan. 6 due to a mechanical failure, the firm hired to review the outage found in its final report. But the city’s lack of preparation and poor communication were among several other factors that exacerbated the outage that led to the crisis. The final report’s conclusion matched the one HNTB — the engineering firm commissioned to conduct the plant failure’s investigation — came to in its draft report released in March.
Red Onion prisoners claim retaliation for refusal to sign ‘safety agreement’

3 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Men incarcerated at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County allege power to the outlets in their cells was cut off because they refused to sign a document they say falsely claims they have adequate mental health care access.
Avula budget presentation, Richmond combined sewer update and Henrico real estate tax rates

3 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in Richmond and Hanover County. RichmondRichmond City School Board Evaluation Committee5 p.m. TuesdaySchool Board chambers, 17th Floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Members are set to meet to plan a cumulative evaluation process for Board employees and hold a closed session “to consider the performance of specific employees of the School Board.”Planning Commission6 p.m. Tuesday 5th Floor conference room, Richmond City Hall301 N.
Sweeping COVID program cuts hit Virginia Department of Health

3 weeks ago | wamu.org | Adrienne McGibbon |Dean Mirshahi

The federal government is withdrawing up to $425 million in grant funding for several COVID-related programs operated by the Virginia Department of Health. The cuts have already led to ongoing layoffs and the early cancellation of existing contracts across the state. The decision of President Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate $11.4 billion in federal funding for COVID-related programs comes just a week after the nation marked the five-year anniversary of the pandemic’s beginning.
Sweeping COVID program cuts hit Virginia Department of Health

4 weeks ago | whro.org | Adrienne McGibbon |Dean Mirshahi

This story was reported and written by VPM News. This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates. The federal government is withdrawing up to $425 million in grant funding for several COVID-related programs operated by the Virginia Department of Health. The cuts have already led to ongoing layoffs and the early cancellation of existing contracts across the state.

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