Virginia

NPR fights for access to Virginia execution recordings

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2024

NPR fights for access to Virginia execution recordings

Next week, the Virginia Court of Appeals will consider whether to lift the veil of secrecy over execution tapes that give the public a rare glimpse into how the state administered capital punishment before abolishing the practice in 2021.

The tapes, recorded in the execution chamber by prison employees, were hidden for years before NPR journalist Chiara Eisner unearthed four recordings that a former prison employee donated to the Library of Virginia archives. That audio, which NPR published in 2023, revealed new details about oversight by prison employees moments before carrying out the state’s ultimate punishment.

The Virginia Department of Corrections has disclosed that it recorded 32 additional tapes concerning 27 executions over three decades, but it refused to turn them over when NPR and Ian Kalish, a clinical supervising attorney at the Reporters Committee, requested the audio under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act. Last year, NPR sued for the tapes’ release with free legal support from the First Amendment Clinic at the University of Virginia School of Law, which is administered by attorneys from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

A circuit court in Charlottesville sided with the Department of Corrections, finding that the recordings were protected under a Virginia FOIA exemption that protects records of prisoners. Throughout the school year, Reporters Committee attorneys worked with students in the UVA First Amendment Clinic to brief the case in the Court of Appeals.

NPR, Eisner, and Kalish have been represented in the case by clinic co-directors Lin Weeks, an RCFP senior staff attorney, and Gabe Rottman, director of RCFP’s Technology and Press Freedom Project. Ahead of oral argument on July 16, we spoke with Kalish to learn more about why the clinic got involved in the fight for public access to execution records and what implications the case could have on efforts to hold Virginia prisons accountable.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did the UVA Law Clinic and Reporters Committee attorneys get involved in this case?

It originally came to the clinic’s radar because Chiara was going to report on the fact that she had submitted the FOIA request and that had been denied, so the clinic offered some commentary about the request and the denial. We continued to work with Chiara and NPR in terms of figuring out if there was a potential way to push back, and then the clinic ended up partnering with them on the litigation.

What makes this such an important case for clinic students to work on?

I think these records are very valuable because this process is largely happening within sort of a black box. It’s important for the public to understand what happens in these situations because these actions are being taken in the name of the public. I think just being able to facilitate that type of oversight is quite important.

More generally, I think public access cases are good for students because they offer discrete legal issues, generally issues of statutory interpretation regarding what an exemption in a statute says and what it means and how it applies to a specific record. It’s a little bit more teed up and focused than other types of cases are at times, so it allows the students a little bit more opportunity to really dig in and shepherd a case from its initiation to its conclusion.

What is it about these execution tapes that make them worth pursuing in court?

I think the four tapes are very rare. The fact that they’re publicly accessible doesn’t happen often, but they are very valuable.

I think it’s important to have information about execution and what it looks like in general because while Virginia is no longer engaged in the practice, other states are. There’s always the potential that things might change. I think that execution remains such a significant political issue that it’s important for people to understand what the procedure looks like, what happens, just for them to make an informed decision about whether they support the practice of capital punishment or not.

What are the key arguments that Reporters Committee attorneys have made about why these records should be public?

The main argument that is being teed up on appeal is this question regarding the interpretation of an exemption that prevents the public from gaining access to records of inmates, which we interpret to mean information that would otherwise be in the possession of inmates or information generated by the inmates, such as correspondence that is being held by the prison. Just because an inmate’s information is held by the agency because of the nature of the jailer-prisoner relationship doesn’t necessarily mean that anyone who puts a FOIA request to the agency should be able to get access to it.

But in contrast, we interpret this exemption to not reach administrative documents or information created by the agency that relates to the conduct of the agency. For example, procedures followed during the execution process are state action. We don’t think that exemption for the records of the individual should be read so broadly as to shield that type of thing from public oversight because in effect, you’re walling off the prison system significantly from all oversight.

By its nature, the actions that agency takes are for the most part directed toward or involving individual inmates. So you really need to preserve the ability to access records and information about those actions.

How do you think the outcome of this case could shape the application of Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act in the future?

I think the nature of Virginia FOIA is sort of interesting in that it has this blanket presumption of access but then exemptions are very particularized, and there are a lot of them. Because of that, there’s not a lot of really binding authority about what each one means. Some exemptions have had the benefit of judicial analysis and guidance, others haven’t.

I think whenever you don’t have this type of clear guidance from a court, people relying on the statute to access records are at a bit of a loss. There’s really no clear case to point to if a FOIA officer denies a request to say, “Hey, this court says that this material is reachable,” or, “This court says that this exemption should be interpreted this way.” I think any opportunity you have to clarify what the statute means is important.

Particularly with this exemption, it can be applied very broadly if it means what the Department of Corrections has argued and what the trial court seems to have endorsed. If it just means that things involving or related to a specific inmate can be withheld, it’s unclear to me what type of meaningful oversight you could have over the Virginia Department of Corrections or the prisons at all. So I think this one in particular is even more important just because of the potential scope of its use moving forward.

The Reporters Committee regularly files friend-of-the-court briefs and its attorneys represent journalists and news organizations pro bono in court cases that involve First Amendment freedoms, the newsgathering rights of journalists and access to public information. Stay up-to-date on our work by signing up for our monthly newsletter and following us on Twitter or Instagram.

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Virginia

Georgia woman arrested in Virginia after 100 mph police chase

Published

8 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Press Room

Georgia woman arrested in Virginia after 100 mph police chase

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A Georgia woman was arrested in Virginia Friday, January 30 after a police chase, according to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.

The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office assisted Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 1:15 a.m. with a high-speed chase on I-81.

The pursuit originated in Augusta County and entered Rockbridge County traveling southbound on I-81, according to deputies. Deputies say the suspect was reported to be traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and driving erratically, posing a significant risk to public safety.

Officers coordinated a controlled response, including the deployment of tire deflation devices, according to deputies. Deputies say the vehicle was successfully disabled, bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion near mile marker 197.

Melissa Lee Mathura, 43 of Mansfield, Georgia, was taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation as a precaution. She was charged in Augusta County with felony eluding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (second offense within five years).

Melissa Lee Mathura(Middle River Regional Jail)

“This incident highlights the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and disciplined decision-making during high-risk situations,” said Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies, this pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion and the threat to the public was minimized.”

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Virginia

No. 7 Virginia Tech tops No. 8 NC State 21-12 in ACC showdown

Published

20 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Press Room

No. 7 Virginia Tech tops No. 8 NC State 21-12 in ACC showdown

In a match that will define the ACC race, No. 7 Virginia Tech and No. 8 NC State renew their rivalry. The Hokies and Wolfpack have combined to win the last 13 conference titles, and the two teams have finished both first and second in eight of those 13 tournaments.

🤼 MORE COLLEGE WRESTLING 🤼

Here’s a preview of all 10 matches that will take place in Reynolds Coliseum on Friday.

125 pounds: No. 3 Eddie Ventresca vs. No. 5 Vincent Robinson or Brad Yokum

The 125-pound bout between Eddie Ventresca and Vincent Robinson could decide the dual. Ventresca hasn’t lost since the new year and has won nine straight matches, while Robinson is 10-2 after defending his national title. Robinson’s last loss came against Stanford’s Nico Provo, 4-1 in sudden victory on Jan. 16.

Ventresca got the better of Robinson with a 4-1 decision at the National Duals in November. He’s 3-0 against the Wolfpack sophomore in his career as well, also beating him in last year’s dual and at the ACC Championships by identical 4-1 scores, with the latter coming in sudden victory.

2025 – The Return of Eddie V
A year removed from injury, Eddie Ventresca returned in fashion with an upset over No. 3 Vincent Robinson to clinch the dual meet title for VT over NCSU. Ventresca would garner his second All-American honor in Philadelphia.
🎥 @chenrycreative pic.twitter.com/TgLaBQpjnI
— Virginia Tech Wrestling (@HokiesWrestling) July 10, 2025

A win for Robinson would set up the Wolfpack for success and put him on track toward winning his first ACC title.

133 pounds: No. 7 Aaron Seidel vs. No. 33 Zach Redding or Troy Hohman

Virginia Tech true freshman Aaron Seidel is a perfect 12-0 this season and has been dominant, entering Friday off a major decision win against No. 8 Tyler Knox. His entry into the lineup has infused new energy into the Hokies, and he’s on a path to chase an NCAA title himself. Zach Redding or Troy Hohman will have a tough task holding Seidel to just a decision, let alone beating the freshman.

OTHER HOKIE NEWS: How 133-pound alum turned recruiting coordinator Sam Latona found a home in Blacksburg with the Hokies

Redding is 6-6 on the year after transferring from Iowa State last season. His best wins have come against No.  25 Julian Farber of Northern Iowa and No. 19 Ethan Oakley of North Carolina. While his experience could aid him, Seidel is on too much of a hot streak and will be heavily favored against the veteran Wolfpack wrestler.

141 pounds: No. 17 Tom Crook vs. No. 13 Ryan Jack

Virginia Tech’s Tom Crook and NC State’s Ryan Jack both enter Friday off losses: Crook dropped a 6-5 decision to Stanford’s Jack Consiglio and Jack lost 2-1 to North Carolina’s Luke Simcox. Both athletes could compete for a podium spot on their best day, and the result of this match could have significant conference and national seeding implications.

This one means more
🎟️ https://t.co/XnThwMLrps#PackMentality pic.twitter.com/fiPTLXcIct
— NC State Wrestling 🤼‍♂️ (@PackWrestle) January 26, 2026
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Jack picked up an 8-4 decision win over Crook at the National Duals in his best performance of the season. He was one of only three NC State athletes to win during the last dual with the Hokies. The wrestler who rebounds best from last week’s matches will give his team the upper hand.

149 pounds: No. 9 Collin Gaj vs. No. 5 Koy Buesgens

The 149-pound battle between Collin Gaj and Koy Buesgens is an important one ahead of the national tournament. Gaj is one of two freshmen ranked in the top 10 of the ACC and has won his last eight matches, including a victory over No. 11 Aden Valencia. Buesgens is 17-1 this season with three top-10 wins.

Buesgens earned a tight 4-1 decision at the National Duals and is favored again, though a previous one-takedown match means anything can happen. This match is NC State’s chance to keep itself in the dual and create momentum heading into the second half.

157 pounds: No. 16 Ethen Miller vs. Luca Felix or Brogan Tucker

Maryland transfer Ethen Miller started his season with the Hokies in late December and has quickly and quietly picked up eight wins, including one over No. 17 Dylan Evans of Pittsburgh.

NC State’s Luca Felix, meanwhile, lost at 157 pounds to Laird Root of North Carolina last weekend. His teammate Brogan Tucker lost by tech fall to Stanford’s No. 10 Daniel Cardenas earlier this month. Virginia Tech will be favored against either NC State option.

This match is an opportunity for Miller to earn bonus points for Virginia Tech and put the Hokies in an advantageous position heading into 165 and 174, where Tech has a slight edge at the former and could face challenges at the latter.

165 pounds: No. 12 Ryan Burton or Mac Church vs. No. 13 Will Denny

In a battle of two great freshmen, Virginia Tech’s Ryan Burton and NC State’s Will Denny meet in an important bout at 165 pounds. Burton earned his first career ACC win with a decision over EJ Parco of Stanford last week, and Denny has won 10 straight matches. Both have impressive records, with Denny boasting a 12-2 résumé and Burton competing in 24 matches to a 19-5 record. Their consistency and reps at this stage will make them dangerous come March and beyond.

Burton beat Denny 15-7 in November, but both wrestlers have improved substantially since their first meeting in Tulsa. Virginia Tech also has the option of rolling out Mac Church, a sophomore NCAA qualifier who won the Appalachian Open, in place of Burton. While Burton’s record against Denny suggests he’ll get the nod again, Tech’s depth here reflects the talent head coach Tony Robie is building in Blacksburg.

174 pounds: No. 31 Sergio Desiante vs. No. 6 Matty Singleton

NC State’s Matty Singleton enters the 174-pound match as a favorite with a 12-1 record and five straight wins. His lone loss came against Ohio State’s Carson Kharchla, 8-4, at the National Duals. He’ll meet Sergio Desiante on Friday. Desiante started the year slow but has won 10 of his last 12 matches. The pair met at the National Duals, where Singleton earned a 7-1 decision. Last season, Singleton earned three wins over former Hokie All-American Lennox Wolak — a streak against Virginia Tech he’ll need to continue if he wants to help NC State stay in this contest.

184 pounds: No. 32 Jaden Bullock vs. Don Cates

A match that could go either way, the 184-pound bout features Michigan transfer Jaden Bullock of Virginia Tech against sixth-year wrestler Don Cates of NC State. Neither athlete has finished on the podium in their career, and both could be battling for NCAA qualifying spots come March. Cates needs the win more, entering with a 6-7 record. Bullock is 12-10 after winning the Appalachian Open and has previously reached the Round of 16.

Cates kept the bout close last time, dropping a 4-1 decision to Bullock. If he reverses that result, he could push Bullock out of the rankings. But national implications will be secondary on Friday — it’s all about the rivalry.

197 pounds: No. 16 Sonny Sasso vs. No. 25 Patrick Brophy or Cason Howle

Virginia Tech’s Sonny Sasso enters Reynolds Coliseum having lost his two ACC dual matches this season to Pittsburgh’s No. 8 Mac Stout and No. 14 Angelo Posada. He’ll be favored in this bout, though, against NC State’s No. 25 Patrick Brophy, who also lost to Posada but enters Friday off a win over Robert Platt.

Brophy began his season in late December and has amassed a 5-2 record as a member of the Wolfpack after spending his first three years at The Citadel and qualifying for the national tournament last year. He’s tough and made headlines last season when he beat Oklahoma State’s Luke Surber, but Sasso is gritty, too. The Hokie brings a 15-5 record into this bout, including a win over All-American Joey Novak and a 12-6 victory over Brophy in their last meeting. If NC State can flip this match, the Wolfpack put themselves in a strong position heading into heavyweight. If Sasso proves too much, Brophy must avoid giving up bonus points.

285 pounds: No. 16 Jimmy Mullen vs. No. 2 Isaac Trumble

Isaac Trumble is a title threat. Ranked No. 2 in the country, he enters Friday’s dual with a perfect 9-0 record, including a win over Ohio State’s No. 3 Nick Feldman. The All-American will face Jimmy Mullen, who has won 11 of his 12 matches since the National Duals. The match is an opportunity for Mullen to make a statement in the heavyweight division, but Trumble has been dominant with four falls and two tech falls and is unlikely to waver.

During the meeting in Tulsa, Mullen beat NC State reserve Everest Ouellette by tech fall. Trumble and Mullen met in last season’s dual as well, with Trumble winning 5-3. Trumble was also the hero for the Wolfpack against Virginia earlier this month, pinning Brenan Morgan to lift the Pack over the Cavaliers. If the dual comes down to heavyweight, NC State will rely on its anchor for another clutch performance.

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VDH investigating another possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Published

1 day ago

January 30, 2026

Press Room

VDH investigating another possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health announced they are investigating a possible measles exposure that seemingly occurred on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.

The VDH stated that a confirmed case of measlestraveled through Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday, Jan. 24. The person is a resident of another state.

The following dates, times, and locations are potential exposure sites listed by the Virginia Department of Health:

Dulles International Airport (IAD): in Concourse B, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and in the baggage claim area between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, January 24.
Dulles shuttle bus to the rental car facilities between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24.
Other exposure sites will be listed here.

This comes after three measles cases have been reported in Northern Virginia this year.

The VDH has listed the following guidance for those who have or have not received a measles-containing vaccine:

If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Watch for symptoms. If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

MMR vaccine rates are high in Virginia, with around 95% of kindergarteners being fully vaccinated against measles. This helps prevent major outbreaks of the virus in the Commonwealth. If you have not yet received a measles-containing vaccine, contact your healthcare provider.

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