VPM Daily Newscast
This VPM News supercast contains Central Virginia's news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Hosted by Kim Strother and VPM News editors, episodes are (usually) recorded the night before so you can wake up prepared.
9/2/26 - Another Richmond ES closes over mold concerns
More from VPM News:
Why have Virginians’ health insurance premiums increased?
Luck Stone pulls proposed Hanover quarry expansion
Updated: Obama ES students set to return Thursday; Bellevue ES closed for potential mold
WATCH: Virginia's Marriage Equality Amendment (YouTube)
Other links:
Federal judge temporarily blocks Virginia law regulating how local law enforcement participate in ICE activities (WRIC)
Special prosecutor takes over King Overton drowning case after Henrico attorney reveals SwimRVA ties (WTVR)
Virginia launches $4.8M program to pay nursing students for clinical work (WHRO) <...
9/1/26 - $33M for the City of Richmond’s water system?
Read more from VPM News:
Richmond’s Head Start program began school year at 99% capacity
Obama Elementary students in Richmond set to return Thursday
6th District School Board debate set for Sept. 17, to be co-moderated by The Richmonder and VPM (The Richmonder)
Other links:
Students could receive automatic admission to more than a dozen Virginia colleges (Cardinal News)
ICE arrested over a dozen people after teen was killed at Virginia quinceañera (NBC Washington)
Spanberger Sends $7.3 Million to Southwest Virginia’s Coal-Impacted Counties (T...
8/31/26 - Final Confederate monuments removed from Capitol Square
Read more from VPM News:
Final Confederate statues removed from Virginia Capitol Square
Preparations for new, temporary shelter ongoing in Charlottesville
On the agenda: Proposed Little John Park renovations, Charlottesville educational tech policy
Curious Commonwealth 2023: Why is a statue of Stonewall Jackson still on Capitol Square?
WATCH: Confederate Statues Removed From Virginia Capitol
Other links:
Coming to Scott’s Addition: Bike-ped paths and a little more green (The Richmonder)
Driver guilty on three misdemeanor counts in death of Bill Martin (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Va. officials...
Policy Matters: August 27, 2026
‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It’s our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews.
8/28/26 - Chesterfield weighs using data center revenue to slash car tax bills
Read more from VPM News:
Chesterfield weighs using data center revenue to slash car tax bills
RPS’ return to school highlights growing pressure on aging buildings
WATCH: Team Yes: Same-Sex Marriage Amendment
Other links:
Swift Creek Mill Theatre Announces Plan for Future (Style Weekly)
Apple Wallet adds driver’s licenses and IDs for Virginia residents (Virginia Mercury)
City tells Richmond homeowner to install industrial-grade plumbing — or lose his water (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Nearly $4,000 donated to Richmond Imagination Library affiliate after Dolly Parton's death (WTVR)
8/27/26 - Virginia to receive $353M in multistate Meta settlement
More from VPM News:
Report: Virginia highlights groundwater risks east of I-95
Henrico residents decry county’s Flock Safety cameras
WATCH: Team No: Same-Sex Marriage Amendment
Curious Commonwealth 2025: Why does Virginia only have 2 natural lakes?
Other links:
‘I’m frustrated’: Parents confront Kamras over mold at Barack Obama Elementary (The Richmonder)
Virginia won’t be able to cover federal SNAP, Medicaid funding cuts, governor warns (Cardinal News)
Virginia's 3rd-8th graders make marginal improvements on SOLs, still below pandemic scores (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
8/26/26 - Obama Elementary’s delayed start continues due to mold
Read more from VPM News:
Charlottesville’s partnership with direct-to-housing providers ended
Chesterfield schools walk back take-home Chromebooks
WATCH: What is Virginia's Same-Sex Marriage Amendment?
Other links:
Several people injured after crash at GRTC’s Downtown Transfer Station in Richmond (WRIC) “Remember the little guy”: Kaine hears from Virginia farmers as Canada trade fight drives up concern (Virginia Mercury)
Drone used to smuggle $324K in contraband, drugs into Virginia prison, officials say (WTVR)
Charlottesville demands plan for stagnant Dewberry property (CvilleRightNow)
Dolly Parton, one of co...
Federal judge says Virginia still failing to follow King v. Youngkin order
Read more from VPM News:
Federal judge says Virginia still failing to follow voter restoration order
Richmond Public Schools holds town hall after Obama Elementary closes for mold
Other links:
Virginia considers calls for mandatory school nurses as healthcare gaps persist (Virginia Mercury)
Amtrak service to D.C. will stop in Alexandria for 9 days in October (The Richmonder)
Virginia Beach water tower will get an artistic makeover (Virginian-Pilot)*
Local blood banks respond to national shortage (WMRA)
Watch: Fighting pharmacy deserts in Virginia...
8/24/26 - Amending Virginia explores the proposed marriage equality amendment
Read more from VPM News:
Voters will decide whether to enshrine marriage equality in Virginia
Google announces $10M to shore up water infrastructure near data centers
On the agenda: RPS maintenance audit, Powhite Parkway Extension update
WATCH: RVA Considers Immigration "Trust Policy"
Other links:
Students at Northside elementary school get delayed start to school year due to mold in building (The Richmonder)
General Assembly launches effort to study tax exemptions, consumption tax for data centers (Cardinal News)
Court battle looms over future of Foxfi...
BizSense Beat: Colonial Heights sports, River’s Edge apartments, Code Refresh
VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie Diartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with a new sports complex coming to Colonial Heights, a lawsuit connected with a Manchester apartment complex and Richmond's Code Refresh effort.
8/21/26 - How are Virginia agencies using tech to hire workers?
Read more from VPM News:
Democratic National Committee taps Virginia for early 2028 presidential primary
How do Virginia agencies use tech to hire workers?
WATCH: Amending Virginia
Other links:
Records: public housing staffers accused of trading maintenance work for sexual favors (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Ellwood Thompson's parent company acquired by data center owner (The Richmonder)
VCU suspends fraternity after hazing, assault allegations (WRIC)
LPD pauses operation of Flock license plate reader cameras (The News & Advance)*
Intern at Virginia seminary finds original draft of letter by M...
8/20/26 - Virginia spent $52 million on child support overhaul that was never done
Read more from VPM News:
Virginia lost $52M on failed child support system project, Spanberger says
Richmond City Council to discuss immigration ‘trust policy’
Other links:
Could a Dominion-NextEra marriage be bad news for rooftop solar? (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)
Virginia secures $17 million to upgrade rail service and improve transportation infrastructure (Virginia Mercury)
Assistant state medical examiner fired over false certification letter; murder cases she testified in being questioned (The Virginian-Pilot)*
Spanberger administration revokes Virginia youth psych facility's license, calls system ‘broken' ...
8/19/26 - Virginia’s measles outbreak declared over
Read more from VPM News:
Hanover tour brings history of religious freedom in Virginia to life
ICYMI: What’s changed in Richmond’s third draft of Code Refresh?
WATCH: Downtown Mall Tree Overhaul (YouTube)
Other links:
William & Mary under federal investigation for 'race-based' scholarships (WHRO)
SCC chair won't recuse herself on NextEra-Dominion case (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Federal judge denies hemp entrepreneurs’ request to overturn Virginia’s new THC limit (Virginia Mercury)
Richmond agreed to pay a tax refund after being sued. The city’s own lawyer strugg...
8/19/26 - Richmond unveils third draft of zoning code overhaul
Read more from VPM News:
What’s changed in Richmond’s third draft of Code Refresh?
ICYMI: VPM's 'Declarations' explores Black experiences during American Revolution
WATCH: Virginia’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (YouTube)
Other links:
James City County partners with VCU to test drone defibrillator delivery (WHRO)
Virginia could owe $266M for SNAP benefits next year amid program declines (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
As Va. officials weigh data center pushback, report details industry’s public service funding (Virginia Mercury)
VUU seeking city permission to develop Ri...
8/17/26 - Virginia’s childhood vaccine schedule unchanged after new Trump EO
More from VPM News:
Virginia childhood vaccines schedule unchanged after new Trump EO
On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings
VPM's 'Declarations' explores Black experiences during American Revolution
WATCH: Virginia’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (YouTube)
Other links:
Severe nursing home violations surge 77% in Virginia following reform efforts, data shows (WTVR)
Larger gun-free zones around polling places arrive in Arlington without a hitch (ARLNow)
Austrian skincare company to open U.S. headquarters in Roanoke, bringing 400 jobs (WDBJ)
Why Orange has Virginia’s shortest mayoral t...
8/14/26 - Dominion Energy asks to recoup $922M in fuel costs from customers
Read more from VPM News:
Summer camps help Native American Virginians connect with their cultures
VCU move-in Aug. 14-15: Road closures planned, heavy traffic likely
Other links:
David Archuleta to headline Virginia Pridefest 2026 (WRIC)
Snake caused fire at Forest Middle School (WSLS)
Virginia students use AI to find new ways to detect Alzheimer’s (FOX 5)
Late frost leaves Virginia peach crop uneven, but local flavor still shines (Smith Mountain Eagle)
Virginia man’s vanity license plate at center of new battleground over free s...
8/13/26 - Richmond Public Schools still in negotiations with teachers union
Read more from VPM News:
RPS teacher vacancies fall to 1% as contract talks continue
WATCH: Amending Virginia
Other links:
Coastal Virginia communities push back against proposed offshore seabed mining (WHRO)
Officials won't disclose locations, cost of 773 police-linked surveillance cameras (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
What the data suggests about Greene’s recent immigration raids (Cville Weekly)
How Virginia is working to reduce SNAP ‘payment error rate’ to avoid federal penalties (WRIC)
Va.’s vaccine recommendations, requirements won’t change after Trump order, officials say (Virginia Mercury)
...
8/12/26 - Menhaden overfishing could be to blame for struggling osprey population
More from VPM News:
Chesapeake Bay osprey populations are struggling
ICYMI, Amending Virginia: Reproductive Rights
Why is Virginia’s Reproductive Rights Amendment? (YouTube) Listen to the Team No perspective Listen to the Team Yes perspectiveOther links:
Analysts predict Newport News lacks room to build Trump's battleships (WHRO)
Public housing board member resigns, citing ‘loss of confidence in leadership’ (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Fired RPS facilities director is hired by one of the district’s contractors (The Richmonder)
Henrico teen launches statewide water quality, lead pipe risk tool (Axios Richmond...
8/11/26 - Voters will decide reproductive rights' future four years after Roe
Read more from VPM News:
Voters will decide reproductive rights' future four years after Roe
WATCH: Amending Virginia
Other links:
Federal judge rules in favor of Shenandoah students over Confederate school names (WMRA)
Oak Grove hands out 350 book bags to Richmond families 'to put people first' (WTVR)
Janet Howell, trailblazing Virginia state senator, dies at 82 (The Washington Post)*
SCC chair recused herself from earlier NextEra case (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Governor seeks participants for new corrections council to help shape Va. prison reforms (Virginia Mercury...
8/10/26 - Spanberger takes ‘unprecedented’ step in Dominion–NextEra merger
More from VPM News:
How Virginia keeps tabs on cybersecurity threats as AI takes hold
Charlottesville sets deadline to clear Free Bridge encampment
On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings
'Unprecedented': Spanberger to intervene in Dominion–NextEra merger
Watch ICYMI: VPM’s New RVA Headquarters (YouTube)
(Note: Dominion Energy is a VPM sponsor.)
Other links:
Richmond mayor promises DPU billing fixes after errors, long wait times: 'Give us some time' (WTVR)
Contentious meeting ends with approval for Shockoe Valley street plan...
8/7/26 - VPM has a new home in Downtown Richmond!
Read more from VPM News:
New VPM HQ adds momentum to revival efforts on Richmond’s Broad Street
Study estimates $1.7B cost to expand subsidized childcare, raise teacher pay
The Auricular’s new website is a treasure trove of Richmond music content
Other links:
Memo: Most urgent violations at Imperial Village fixed, but 'long path ahead' to full compliance (WTVR)
Kaine pitches reforms for drug pricing program supporting underserved patients, safety net providers (Virginia Mercury)
As student loan repayments restart, Virginia sees increase in borrower def...
8/6/26 - DMV says "Relaxxxxx, Don't Drive High” in new campaign
Read more from VPM News:
Updated: Quadaire Patterson wants full citizenship for people convicted of felonies
911 transition to Richmond Ambulance Authority going 'smoothly'
ICYMI: Who's on the ballot for Central Virginia's congressional seats in 2026?
Other links:
SCC orders Dominion to develop tariff to assign more transmission costs to data centers (Virginia Mercury)
Virginia hemp businesses sue Spanberger in hopes of blocking new law (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
UR has a pile of money set aside for the children of Hungarian Reformed Church ministers. It can’t find any take...
8/5/26 - Results from Virginia’s congressional primary elections
Read more from VPM News:
Who's on the ballot for Central Virginia's congressional seats in 2026?
Result: Shannon Taylor to take on Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st
Result: It's McGuire vs. Perriello in Virginia's 5th District
Other links:
Retired general Bert Mizusawa claims GOP Senate primary, will face Warner (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Incumbent LeQuan Hylton wins special election to Chesterfield Board of Supervisors (The Richmonder)
Voluntary water restrictions lifted for Richmond-area localities (WRIC)
Richmond re-considers parking restrictions near stop signs after 280% ticket spike (WTVR)
Ho...
8/4/26 - It’s Primary Day, Virginia!
Read more from VPM News:
Seven Democrats jockey for position in 1st Congressional District primary
Candidates in 4th Congressional District prepare for November general election
Frustration with McGuire drives both sides of 5th Congressional District primary
Harding, Ollivant, Smithers vie for GOP nomination in 7th Congressional District
Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?
Other links:
City firetrucks, buses will soon get green lights on demand. Ambulances won't. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Richmond sheriff withholds investigation report 10 months after teen pepper-sprayed at concert ...
8/3/26 - Pilot program connects Richmond-area daycares with qualified substitutes via app
Read more from VPM News:
Pilot program connects childcare centers with substitute teachers via app
How Charlottesville's trees are faring on the Downtown Mall, 50 years later
On the agenda: Albemarle schools investigation, Charlottesville housing grants
WATCH: Happy Primary Day, (most of) Virginia! (TikTok)
Other links:
Virginia senators request special session to act on ’deeply alarming’ groundwater report (Virginia Mercury)
Appalachian Power sees ‘explosive’ growth from data centers, other big customers (Cardinal News)
Richmond DPU misses deadline to fix billing problems (WTVR)
U.S. Drought Mon...
Policy Matters: July 30, 2026
‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews.
BizSense Beat: Thermo Fisher, Westover Place, Sippa, Baltik's Bagel
VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with the expansion of the Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical firm Thermo Fisher, the Westover Place redevelopment, a drive-thru soda shop near Regency Mall and the owner of Baltik's Bagel new property.
7/31/26 - Gov. Spanberger restores voting rights for 66,000 Virginians
Read more from VPM News:
Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians
Virginia 'assault weapons' ban on hold until US Supreme Court hears gun cases
Other links:
Backers of Family Justice Center to seek $2 million from city for startup costs next year (The Richmonder)
Virginia’s disability services gap persists despite progress, leaves young adults vulnerable (Virginia Mercury)
Harrisonburg City Council votes to end contract with Flock Safety (29News)
Report reveals cause of fireworks malfunction at Flying Squirrels game (WTVR)
Ticks are takin...
7/30/26 - Virginia’s assault weapons ban will stay on hold through the fall
Read more from VPM News:
Henrico supervisors greenlight 2045 planning blueprint
ICYMI: Committees lay groundwork to campaign on constitutional amendments
VPM News congressional primary previews: 1st District | 4th District | 5th District | 7th District | US Senate
Other links:
Waynesboro residents question operations permit for Northrop Grumman (WMRA)
Uninsured ER visits in Virginia spike nearly 50%, experts warn it could get worse (WTVR)
Workers installing drywall at LEGO site: we're not paid for overtime (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Va. education department seeks new student assessment vendor (Virginia Mercury)
Louisa r...
7/29/26 - Chesterfieldians want more transparency from Google, county
More from VPM News:
Chesterfield residents call for more transparency on Google data centers
Indigenous food program to bring culturally appropriate lunches to Virginia schools
Royal Farms opens newest Virginia location in Chester
WATCH: 💵 New Tax for Richmonders? 💵 (YouTube)
Other links:
Report on fatal ODU shooting details 'targeted terror attack' (WHRO)
Their land was taken centuries ago. Now the Pamunkey tribe is getting it back. (The Washington Post)*
Brown water, dust and loud noises: Louisa homeowner sues Amazon over data center construction (Virginia Mercury)
‘...
7/28/26 - Committees line up to spend on both sides of constitutional amendments
More from VPM News:
Richmond advances 1% school funding tax question to local ballots
Committees lay groundwork to campaign on constitutional amendments
WATCH: Who foots the bill for Shoosmith Landfill cleanup? (YouTube)
Other links:
Spanberger admin to resume nursing home oversight board: 'The stories we're hearing concern me' (WTVR)
Following Council vote, Richmond transfers medical 911 calls back to ambulance authority (The Richmonder)
Virginia’s new pay transparency law changes the rules for job postings (Virginia Mercury)
How Trump’s rush to build an arch is rewriti...
7/27/26 - Plans underway for new daycare center serving state employees
Read more from VPM News:
Lawmakers move forward with plans for childcare center for state employees
Richmond council to vote on 1% sales tax hike for school construction
On the agenda: Richmond sales tax referendum, East End mural
Other links:
Fourth Circuit creates circuit split over handling of detained pro-Palestinian scholars (Courthouse News)
VDH, Hopewell clear Bailey Bay for swimming after sewage spill (The Progress-Index)*
Emails show how Virginia regulators downplayed data center health concerns (E&E News)
Guns, militias and a long-running Virginia debate (Virg...
7/24/26 - Shoosmith cleanup to take 30 years, cost $173 million
Read more from VPM News:
Chesterfield officials scramble for solutions to Shoosmith cleanup conundrum
Summer meal programs help Charlottesville students stay fed while school’s out
Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?
Other links:
Minimal oversight allows hazards in legal hemp products (WMRA)
‘The worst it has ever been’: Virginia immigration lawyers, former immigration judges warn of a court system in crisis (Charlottesville Tomorrow)
Albemarle County School Board to hold special meeting discussing independent investigation (29News)
150+ adoptees sought original birth certific...
7/23/26 - Hanover County to consider local cannabis rules
More from VPM News:
Hanover plans local cannabis rules ahead of 2027 retail market
WATCH: RVA dating advice for people on the spectrum (YouTube)
Other links:
Chesapeake City Council approves 8-month hold on data center applications (WHRO)
GRTC: Service cuts may be necessary after private fundraising push finds few takers (The Richmonder)
Suetterlein, McNamara want special session to extend time Virginia has to review Dominion-NextEra merger (Cardinal News)
Charlottesville approves $320k to fund school zone camera program amid revenue shortfall (29News)
Mary File Clem, He...
7/22/26 - Electricity costs for many municipalities have increased
Read more from VPM News:
Local governments grapple with spiking energy costs
Other links:
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement delays decision on including Virginia's tribes (Inside Climate News)
VA-01 Democrats escalate dispute with state party over primary neutrality (Virginia Mercury)
Seibert’s Towing seeks fuel surcharge as costs rise, asks for $250 fee to handle damaged electric vehicles (The Richmonder)
Virginia lawmakers call for probe into Albemarle schools handling of child sex abuse cases (29 News)
Documents reveal details on several data center projects in Petersburg’s pipeline (Richmond BizSense...
7/21/26 - Summer camp builds confidence through social skills
Read more from VPM News:
Netflix-inspired camp helps Richmonders build social confidence
ICYMI: Curious Commonwealth asks why Hanover County tomatoes are famous
Other links:
Congress could open Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuaries for commercial harvest (WHRO)
Alfred Holland Sr., “Give Me the Ball” (Roanoke Rambler)
‘Whimsical’ Chesapeake business turns trash into handmade treasures (The Virginian-Pilot)*
Data center power line dispute sees potential resolution as Loudoun County settlement talks with Dominion Energy progress (WUSA)
Owner’s research finds hidden pieces of history (The Farmville Herald)*
...7/20/26 - Powhatan recovery home receives settlement after yearslong federal lawsuit
Read more from VPM News:
Powhatan recovery home receives settlement after yearslong federal lawsuit
WATCH: Why is Hanover, Virginia, famous for its 🍅? (YouTube)
On the agenda: Lumpkin’s Jail pavilion, Charlottesville school construction tax
Other links:
Purple is the new red: How alert maps show when we are royally ... hued (NPR)
Burst sewer pipe pouring 500,000 gallons of sewage a day into Hopewell waterbody (WRIC)
$4.8M in hotel, Airbnb taxes could help narrow nearly $9M RPS budget gap (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Justice Dept. taps veteran lawyer to...
BizSense Beat: Richmond International Airport examines long-term goals
VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they take a deep dive on a swath of improvements coming to Richmond International Airport, as the regional body that governs the sets the airlines long- and short-term goals, convenes for its annual retreat.
7/17/26 - Dominion merger filings start 6-month clock on regulatory review
More on VPM.org:
NextEra–Dominion merger filings start 6-month clock on regulatory review
Mending a torn safety net: an investigation into Nelson County social services
Other links:
Report finds ‘substantial disparities’ in Virginia Beach contracts with minority-owned businesses (Virginian-Pilot)*
How a Roanoke school's new playground is neurodevelopmentally inclusive (Roanoke Times)*
House committee questions Va. prosecutor in closed-door deposition (Washington Post)*
About time? Richmonders weigh-in on possible permanent daylight saving time (WTVR)
GOP Senate hopefuls face long odds in race to challenge Mark Warner...
7/16/26 - Dominion moves ahead with Cumberland County gas plant
Read more from VPM News:
Dominion Energy moves forward with plans for Cumberland natural gas plant
Cooling resources for Central Virginia’s latest heat wave
Other links:
American Red Cross of Virginia: Emergency Blood Shortage
Legal challenge seeking to block Va.’s reproductive rights constitutional amendment dismissed (Virginia Mercury)
Demolition begins on Mayo Island as city plans new park (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint (The Richmonder)
Red Cross of Virginia urges blood donations as emergency shortage str...
