RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Urban Baby Beginnings, a nonprofit dedicated to building Virginia’s maternal health hub system, has been recognized as a recipient of a $5,000 grant as part of 8News’ parent company, Nexstar’s “30 Days of Giving” initiative.

On June 14, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced that the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation had recognized Urban Baby Beginnings as a recipient of a $5,000 grant.

This comes as part of the company’s month-long program recognizing and supporting nonprofit and charitable organizations serving communities across Nexstar’s nationwide footprint.

“30 Days of Giving” is an initiative driven by employees to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nexstar’s founding in June 1996. 

Here at 8News, assistant news director Katie Wells nominated the nonprofit, which is dedicated to ensuring women of childbearing age have access to high-quality, compassionate and culturally relevant maternal care.

Urban Baby Beginnings works to reduce adverse outcomes for families during the prenatal, postpartum and early childhood stages.

The organization’s hubs in Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News, Petersburg and Roanoke, as well as its telehealth platform, connect families with hospitals, providers and community-based organizations to ensure care is accessible and meets families’ medical and social needs.

8News reporter Madison Moore met with Stephanie Spencer, the nonprofit’s CEO and founder, who said that Urban Baby Beginnings’ mission goes far beyond health care — providing mental health support many mothers say they’re missing.

“The reality is most moms are looking for that sense of belonging, someone that can listen to them and help walk through their journey,” Spencer said.

Spencer explained that the funding will go directly back to the community, including an expansion of the nonprofit’s programs that provide diapers to families.

“[It] allows us to expand our access to our social support groups,” Spencer said. “It allows us to expand our access to our diapering programs. These things matter to our mothers.”

Following the organization’s recognition, Steve Blanchard, Vice President and General Manager of 8News, shared a statement with Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

“We are honored to support Urban Baby Beginnings through the Nexstar Charitable Foundation’s ‘30 Days of Giving’ campaign,” Blanchard said. “Our employees selected this organization because of the meaningful difference it makes in the lives of families throughout our community. At WRIC, serving our viewers includes not only telling stories that matter, but also supporting organizations that are creating positive change.”

To learn more about Urban Baby Beginnings, visit its website.

RICHMOND, Va. — A big ridge of high pressure will lock into place over the next few days, keeping temperatures significantly above normal, creating a dangerous combination of heat and humidity.

Highs will be near or above 100° for at least Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the heat index could exceed 110°.

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for most of the region Thursday and Friday. Click here for the latest heat alerts.

The highs will challenge records on multiple days. Due to the high heat index values, and the very warm overnight lows, this will be the biggest heat wave since July 2012.

A few isolated storms are possible Friday, especially north and northwest of Richmond.

There is a better chance of a few storms over the weekend.

Rain chances will increase for Monday and Tuesday, and this should allow highs to drop to near-normal levels.

The drought continues for the Commonwealth. Since last week, the severe (level 3 out of 5) and extreme (level 4 out of 5) drought areas have dropped by a few percent, with the area of moderate drought (level 2 out of 5) expanding.

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Va. (WSET) — Adult adoptees in Virginia can now obtain copies of their original birth certificates under a new state law that took effect Wednesday, ending restrictions that had been in place for nearly 50 years.

House Bill 301 establishes a process allowing adult adoptees to request their original birth certificates from the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records. The law also allows birth parents to file a form indicating their preferred level of contact with adoptees.

The legislation marks a significant change in Virginia adoption law. Since 1976, most adoptees have been unable to access their original birth certificates, documents that are generally available to other adults in the commonwealth.

Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, who served as chief co-patron of the measure after language from his earlier House Bill 664 was incorporated into the final legislation, said the new law concludes several years of legislative efforts.

“This is a day that many adoptees and families have waited years to see,” Walker said in a statement. “Today, Virginia restores a simple but meaningful right: the ability for adult adoptees to obtain their own original birth certificate.”

Walker thanked Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Charlottesville, for helping carry the legislation during the 2026 General Assembly session. He also recognized advocates, adoptees and families who supported the effort, including the Virginia Adoptee Rights Alliance, a coalition that advocated for expanded access to original birth records.

Walker also reflected on someone much closer to home for us at ABC13: the late anchor Mark Spain, whom he credited with bringing the issue to his attention in 2022.

EARLIER: Why Virginia law makes it hard for adoptees to get information about their birth parents

Mark’s compassion and determination helped launch this effort,” Walker said. “While it is bittersweet that he is not here to see this day, his legacy lives on in the lives that will be impacted by this law.

Adult adoptees seeking their original birth certificates can submit requests through the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records by clicking this link.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of Virginians. For many adult adoptees, this law provides an opportunity to better understand their own story, their family history, and where they came from. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible,” Walker concluded.