Richmond, Va. – October 07, 2026 -- James Madison University has become Virginia's first R2 research university to join the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation's Lab-to-Launch initiative, extending a statewide technology-transfer program beyond its original six R1 universities. JMU President Jim Schmidt and VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento signed a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding in Richmond on October 6.

Virginia Beach – – September 26, 2026 -- Farm Aid 2026 drew a national spotlight to America's family farmers on Saturday, staged at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater as Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies rose 46% in 2025 and roughly 15,000 farms closed nationwide.

Hampton, Va. – September 18, 2026 -- Hampton University's 2026 Homecoming, running October 18-25, is projected to generate between $8 million and $10 million in direct and indirect economic activity across Hampton and the surrounding Coastal Virginia region, according to the University.