Virginia Press Association

05/13/2026

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 -2100 Libbie Lake East St, Henrico, VA 23230

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

05/12/2026

The Carroll News has hired Ryan McCafferty as a sports writer covering local teams and community activities. A Herndon native and University of Mary Washington graduate, McCafferty previously covered high school and college sports in Northern Virginia and the Washington area. He said he looks forward to telling local stories in Hillsville. Read at https://tinyurl.com/49vtke3c

05/04/2026

Congratulations Washington Post, a Virginia Press Association member, on winning two Pulitzer Prizes today! The paper was honored for public service reporting on efforts to reshape the federal workforce and feature photography by Jahi Chikwendiu.

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.

05/01/2026

Citizens applaud as the state historical marker recognizing the weekly newspaper, The Recorder in Monterey, Virginia is unveiled.

The moment marks a proud milestone for the newspaper, the community and local journalism, celebrating a publication that has informed and connected readers for generations.

Founded in 1877, The Recorder continues to serve Highland County and the surrounding region with trusted local news. https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/press-release-posts/state-historical-marker-in-highland-county-for-one-of-virginias-oldest-newspapers/

05/01/2026

A meaningful day for local journalism in Virginia.

In Monterey, Virginia, The Recorder publisher Anne Adams speaks to a crowd gathered for the dedication of a state historical marker recognizing the newspaper - one of the commonwealth’s oldest continuously published newspapers.

Founded in 1877, The Recorder has served Highland County and the surrounding region for nearly 150 years, demonstrating the lasting importance of local journalism in informing communities.

04/22/2026

Thank you Amy and Tyler! We really enjoyed having you two emcee the Virginia Press Association Awards Banquet in Lynchburg again this year! So glad you got to see all the wonderful animals at Hill City AquaZoo! The capybara would make a great Virginia This Morning on CBS 6 studio mascot!

04/21/2026

VPA Executive Director Betsy Edwards (center) was honored April 11 at the Virginia Press Association’s annual awards banquet for a decade of leadership and service.

Since 2016, Edwards has guided the association through significant industry change while supporting local news organizations and advancing transparency and the role of a free press.

Edwards will retire June 30 and will continue her work with the Virginia Local News Project, formerly the Virginia Press Foundation, as its executive director. https://www.vpa.net/articles/vpa-honors-betsy-edwards-for-decade-of-leadership/

04/03/2026

Commonwealth Media Solutions, the advertising and marketing services division of the Virginia Press Association, is pleased to welcome Wendi Craig as advertising director, effective April 1.

Commonwealth Media Solutions, the advertising and marketing services division of the Virginia Press Association, is pleased to welcome Wendi Craig as advertising director, effective April 1. Craig brings nearly 30 years of experience in newspaper advertising and media leadership. She most recently s...

03/12/2026

Join us for the 2026 VPA Conference & Awards Banquet — and make sure you’re in the room for this one.

🏆 Two NEW awards — with cash prizes — will be announced live at the banquet!

🎉 Register by March 18 and you’ll be automatically entered to win a complimentary one-night stay at The Virginian Hotel.

Register today: vpa.net/conference2026

03/12/2026

📰 Unwind After Deadline Giveaway

Attendees at the 2026 VPA Conference have a chance to win our “Unwind After Deadline” prize basket — but you have to attend every daytime session to enter.

Here’s how it works:
✔ Attend each daytime session
✔ Get your card marked at the end of every session
✔ Turn it in at the final session

🎁 One winner will take home:
• Amazon Kindle
• Portable power bank
• HydroJug coffee mug
• Tea sampler
• Amazon gift card

Stay for the conversations shaping the future of local journalism — and you could leave with the perfect way to unwind after deadline.

Make sure you register today to join us. ➡ https://tinyurl.com/4jb6566c