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Jacquelyn Martin/APThe Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has finally received full federal recognition, which it has sought since 1888. Tribal leaders were moved to tears after President Trump signed the measure. -
Gregorio Borgia/APPope Leo XIV has summoned the world's cardinals for two days of meetings to help him govern the church, in the clearest sign yet that the new year will signal the unofficial start of his pontificate. -
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesThe comedian is scheduled to co-host his final show on Saturday with Wicked star Ariana Grande. -
Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesAn NPR analysis of the Epstein files shows some documents, originally available on Friday, are no longer on the Department of Justice's "Epstein Library" website as the DOJ releases more files.
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Harrisonburg’s 27-year-old Court Square Theater will close at the end of the year… After a recount, incumbent Jackie Lohr is confirmed the winner of Rockingham County school board’s District 1 seat… Jeff Schapiro reviews Governor Youngkin’s final budget, and recaps the week in state government and politics….
WMRA Local News Features
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After an election recount on Thursday, incumbent Jackie Lohr maintained her victory in the Rockingham County School Board race for the District 1 seat. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Testimony concluded on Wednesday in the trial over the Shenandoah County school board's decision to reinstate Confederate names on two schools – but a federal judge won't rule on the case until next year. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Tuesday marked the fourth day of trial over the Shenandoah County School Board's decision to reinstate Confederate names on two schools last year. Three witnesses testified, including two school board members. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Workers at the Starbucks on Port Republic Road in Harrisonburg are in the process of unionizing. They went on strike last week and are expected to vote on unionization this Friday, December 19. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with barista and union rep Michael Hulleman and asked what led to the decision to unionize. -
Two organizations in Charlottesville, Central Virginia Violence Interruptors, and Wartime Fitness Warriors, work together to prevent conflict in the city, in addition to helping young people develop in a positive way. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports. -
The trial over the Shenandoah County School Board's decision to restore Confederate names to two schools resumed on Monday with a full day of testimony. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports. -
Gabrielle Cerberville otherwise known as "The Chaotic Forager," joins us for WMRA’s next Books & Brews on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 7pm in Harrisonburg at Pale Fire Brewing. -
Friday (Dec. 12) was day two of the trial between the Shenandoah County School Board versus the Virginia Chapter of the NAACP and several Shenandoah County students. It was filled with emotional testimony and more historical context. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
A court case filed against the Shenandoah County School Board for its decision to revert two schools to their original Confederate names began on Thursday morning. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority recently announced a new accredited physician training program for providers who want to better advise their patients on the safe use of cannabis related products. But how are those products made? WMRA’s Sara Prince toured a state-regulated dispensary to find out, and filed this report. -
Earlier this year, WMRA reported on a man living in Staunton who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in early June. Last month, an immigration judge denied his application to stay in the U.S., despite his credible fear of gang persecution in his home country. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi spoke with Bob Leweke with the latest. -
A letter that Rockingham County leaders sent to the city of Harrisonburg back in June circulated on social media this week. In it, the county expresses their intention to terminate the legal agreement governing the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
Enjoy a few special holiday broadcasts on WMRA & WEMC, from Monday December 15 through Thursday December 25.
NPR News
WMRA Briefs
Watch WMRA’s December 2025 Books & Brews, featuring Gabrielle Cerberville discussing Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life.
When WMRA reports on topics primarily about our Spanish-speaking community, you can read Spanish translations of those stories here.
News from our Public Broadcasting Partners
WMRA keeps you connected to the stories shaping life here in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia. This December, as we report on everything from winter weather impacts to local government decisions, your support keeps our expanded news team out in the community. With federal funding permanently reduced by $170,000, your monthly gift of $15 or $20 helps us strengthen local journalism heading into the new year.
The loss of $170,000 in federal funding is a significant challenge for WMRA, but it does not define our future. The heart of WMRA has always been the collaboration and resilience of our listeners, neighbors, and supporters. Even as we adapt to changing circumstances, our mission to serve our region of Virginia with trusted journalism and inspiring stories remains unwavering.
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